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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of sounding board

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Another part of the mental burden of being the spouse who handles the finances is that you need a sounding board for your ideas.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 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

But we really try to be there for each other as a sounding board whenever we’re working.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

Still, whether you’re new to investing or are a longtime saver, there may be times when you could benefit from a financial adviser, as a sounding board for your own plans if not outright guidance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

From Chester’s kittenhood on, Mr. Monroe has used him as a sounding board for all his student lectures.

From "Bunnicula" by Deborah Howe and James Howe

Related Words

• audience