Sound
/saʊnd/
Definitions
4 meaningsVibrations perceived by the ear.
/saʊnd/
A vibration that travels through a medium (such as air or water) and that can be heard.
The sound of the rain on the roof was very soothing.
💡 Simply: Like when you hear a noise! It's what your ears pick up, like the meow of a cat or the boom of thunder.
👶 For kids: What you hear! Like when your mom says, 'Be quiet!'
More Examples
I heard a strange sound coming from the basement.
The loud sound of the car alarm woke me up.
How It's Used
"The sound of the explosion traveled for miles."
"The band's unique sound is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers."
To produce or emit sound.
/saʊnd/
To make a noise or to cause something to make a noise.
The alarm sounded at exactly 6 AM every morning.
💡 Simply: To make a noise. Like when a car honks, it sounds its horn!
👶 For kids: To make a noise with your voice or something else, like a bell!
More Examples
The trumpet sounded a fanfare.
The referee sounded the whistle.
How It's Used
"The bell sounded at noon."
"The ship sounded its foghorn."
To seem to be.
/saʊnd/
To appear to be; to have a particular impression.
That sounds like a great idea!
💡 Simply: To seem like or give the impression. Like if someone tells you something and it 'sounds' like fun.
👶 For kids: To seem a certain way. Like if someone's idea sounds good.
More Examples
Her explanation sounded reasonable.
It sounded like a threat.
How It's Used
"That sounds like a good plan."
"Her argument sounded logical."
Healthy, stable, or in good condition.
/saʊnd/
In good condition; healthy or undamaged.
The building's foundation was sound.
💡 Simply: Healthy, strong, and in good shape. Like having a 'sound' body or a 'sound' plan.
👶 For kids: Good and not broken. Like when your toys are all sound.
More Examples
She gave him sound advice.
He made a sound investment.
How It's Used
"He was declared sound of mind and body."
"The company had a sound financial footing."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sound out
To try to discover someone's opinions or intentions by asking them questions.
"I'm going to sound him out about the job offer."
sound off
To express one's opinions loudly and strongly.
"He started sounding off about the government."
sound and fury
A great deal of commotion and excitement that is ultimately meaningless or futile.
"The debate was just sound and fury."
From Old English *sunu* (son) and earlier *swōnan* (to make a sound), from Proto-Germanic *sunō*. Related to the verb 'to sound' and the noun 'sound'.
Used in various forms since Old English, initially with the verb to 'sound' referring to any emission of a noise.
Memory tip
Imagine the sound waves as ripples in a pond - a physical sensation.
Word Origin
"to make a noise"