acoustic

[ uh-koo-stik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to the sense or organs of hearing, to sound, or to the science of sound.
2. (of a building material) designed for controlling sound.
3. Music.
   1. of, relating to, or being a musical instrument whose sound is not electrically enhanced or modified.
   2. arranged for or made up of such instruments:

      an acoustic solo; an acoustic group.

noun

1. Obsolete. a remedy for deafness or imperfect hearing.

acoustic

/ əˈkuːstɪk /

adjective

1. of or related to sound, the sense of hearing, or acoustics
2. designed to respond to, absorb, or control sound

   an acoustic tile

3. (of a musical instrument or recording) without electronic amplification

   an acoustic guitar

   an acoustic bass

Derived Forms

• aˈcoustically, adverb

Other Words From

• a·cousti·cal·ly adverb
• nona·coustic adjective noun
• nona·cousti·cal adjective
• nona·cousti·cal·ly adverb
• una·coustic adjective
• una·cousti·cal adjective
• una·cousti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

From the Greek word akoustikós, dating back to 1595–1605. See acouasm, -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of acoustic¹

C17: from Greek akoustikos, from akouein to hear

Example Sentences

Zuckerberg sings with the help of Autotune on an acoustic reworking of the filthy floor-filler, which was originally a hit for Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz in 2003.

From BBC

In 2020, during the coronavirus lockdown, Myles began posting covers, with his acoustic version of The Neighbourhood’s Sweater Weather going viral in 2022.

From BBC

A more pertinent subsea sound was detected by the US Navy’s sonar system at the time the sub went missing - an acoustic signal consistent with an implosion.

From BBC

The vessel also had an acoustic monitoring device - essentially mics fixed to the sub listening for signs it was buckling or breaking.

From BBC

Those good vibes continued — the hit-making, swoon-worthy duo never taking themselves too seriously despite serious songwriting chops and bona fides — for intimate co-headlining solo acoustic performances.

From Los Angeles Times