1
a
: measurement of depth especially with a sounding line
b
: the depth so ascertained
c
soundings plural
: a place or part of a body of water where a hand sounding line will reach bottom
2
: measurement of atmospheric conditions at various heights
3
: a probe, test, or sampling of opinion or intention
Examples of sounding in a Sentence
Noun
The sailors were taking soundings as the ship approached the coast.
Recent Examples on the Web
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Relying on impressive-sounding but fundamentally meaningless stats is a great strategy that will definitely work.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
The city, in partnership with the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs, is planning a ceremony with mayoral remarks, the sounding of taps, presentation of colors, wreath placement, volley salute and more.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
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Adjective
Bundelkhand is represented by Maans ke Dahi Bade, a lamb-and-lentil recipe improvised by Maharaja Digvijaya Singh of Sailana, while Panna finds its spot through the imperious-sounding Aash-e-Sangsheer.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Relying on impressive-sounding but fundamentally meaningless stats is a great strategy that will definitely work.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
At school, Gabin appears to find few friends beyond one loyal girl, Lilou, who acts as a sounding-board for him through to adulthood.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 May 2026
The city, in partnership with the Veterans Coalition of Coral Springs, is planning a ceremony with mayoral remarks, the sounding of taps, presentation of colors, wreath placement, volley salute and more.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
Cite this Entry
“Sounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sounding. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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