sounding board

American  

noun

1. a thin, resonant plate of wood forming part of a musical instrument, and so placed as to enhance the power and quality of the tone.

2. a structure over or behind and above a speaker, orchestra, etc., to reflect the sound toward the audience.

3. a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for deadening sound.

4. a person or persons whose reactions serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the methods, ideas, etc., put forth.

5. a person or group that propagates ideas, opinions, etc..

   He was more of a sounding board than a novelist.

---

sounding board British  

noun

1. Also called: soundboard.  a thin wooden board in a piano or comprising the upper surface of a resonating chamber in a violin, cello, etc, serving to amplify the vibrations produced by the strings passing across it See also belly

2. Also called: soundboard.  a thin screen suspended over a pulpit, stage, etc, to reflect sound towards an audience

3. a person, group, experiment, etc, used to test a new idea, policy, etc, for acceptance or applicability

---

Etymology

Origin of sounding board

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

In the years before the transaction, Qatalyst served as a sounding board to the company, and built up credibility and understanding of the business and its story, Godbole said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

He has also signaled a more direct role in Mamdani’s early tenure, indicating he would serve as a sounding board for the new mayor as he navigates the demands of the office.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

The best accountants empathize and provide a compassionate sounding board to help clients with tough challenges.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Warsh, 55, and Druckenmiller sit 10 feet apart, according to Druckenmiller, with Warsh serving as a Fed-whisperer sounding board to Druck’s macro-trader sensibility.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

John showed Robin the graceful instrument and how the seven strings were fastened with tiny pegs in the maple sounding board which covered the hollow oval base.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

Related Words

• audience