soundboard

American  

[sound-bawrd] / ˈsaʊndˌbɔrd /

noun

1. an electronic device used for monitoring, blending, fading, substitution, etc., of sounds from various sources; mixer.

2. 1. a thin, resonant piece of wood forming part of a musical instrument, placed to enhance the power and quality of the instrument's sound.

   2. a structure over or behind and above an area where someone or something makes sound, intended to direct the sound usually away from the person or thing.

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

3. a person or group that responds to and helps evaluate proposed ideas, methods, etc., for their effectiveness or value.

4. a person or group that comes up with and spreads ideas, opinions, etc.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to propose ideas, methods, etc., to a person or group to help evaluate the effectiveness or value of those ideas, methods, etc..

   It's good to have someone to soundboard off of when you're first starting a business.

   If we don't soundboard our ideas, we may miss important details.

Etymology

Origin of soundboard

First recorded in 1495–1505; sound ¹ + board

Example Sentences

In the first, researchers went to the homes of 30 dogs across the country to test their responses to soundboard buttons.

From Salon • Sep. 4, 2024

Standing against the soundboard, Crowe wears that pride on his brow as he tells the latest version of his story through the music.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 2, 2022

A lot of times I would be a soundboard for him.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2022

Using a digital camera, the researchers precisely measured the widths of 157 tree rings visible on the instrument’s spruce soundboard.

From New York Times • Jun. 8, 2022

“You better go,” said Terry, the soundboard operator, “or it will just get worse.”

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar