acoustic
uh-KOO-stihk
Acoustic (adjective) means relating to sound or the sense of hearing. Example: “Scientists measured the acoustic properties of the concert hall before it opened.”
adjective
1
Relating to sound or the sense of hearing.
"Scientists measured the acoustic properties of the concert hall before it opened."
"Whales use acoustic signals to communicate across long distances in the ocean."
"The room was designed with acoustic panels to reduce echo."
2
Describing a musical instrument that produces sound naturally, without electronic amplification.
"She preferred the warm sound of an acoustic piano to a keyboard."
"The singer played an acoustic set with just a guitar and a stool."
"He switched from electric guitar to acoustic for the ballad."
"acoustic guitar, acoustic piano"
How to use acoustic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to sound — most commonly used for instruments that make sound without electricity, or for how sound behaves in a space.
Common pairings
acoustic guitar
acoustic panels
acoustic set
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like acoustic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists measured the _____ properties of the concert hall before it opened.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek akoustikos, "relating to hearing," from akouo, "to hear."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for acoustic
See all rhymes for acoustic →Frequently asked questions
What does “acoustic” mean?
The word “acoustic” means relating to sound or the sense of hearing. In plain terms, relating to sound — most commonly used for instruments that make sound without electricity, or for how sound behaves in a space.
How do you pronounce “acoustic”?
“Acoustic” is pronounced uh-KOO-stihk (/əˈku.stɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “acoustic” in a sentence?
Here is “acoustic” used in a sentence: “The room was designed with acoustic panels to reduce echo.”
What part of speech is “acoustic”?
“Acoustic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “acoustic” come from?
The word “acoustic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek akoustikos, "relating to hearing," from akouo, "to hear.".
Is “acoustic” a common word?
“Acoustic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “acoustic” have?
“Acoustic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to sound or the sense of hearing.
What is the difference between an acoustic and an electric guitar?
An acoustic guitar produces sound naturally, using its hollow body to amplify the vibrating strings, with no electronic amplification. An electric guitar relies on pickups and an amplifier to be heard properly. That difference is exactly what the adjective acoustic marks in music: sound made without electronics.
What is the difference between acoustic and acoustics?
Acoustic is an adjective meaning relating to sound or hearing, as in 'acoustic signal' or 'acoustic guitar.' Acoustics is a noun: it names the science of sound, and also the sound qualities of a space, as in 'the hall has excellent acoustics.'
Is it 'a acoustic' or 'an acoustic'?
It is 'an acoustic,' because acoustic begins with a vowel sound. The choice between a and an depends on sound rather than spelling, so English speakers say 'an acoustic guitar' just as they say 'an hour.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include acoustic:
