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

McInnes knows he is privileged to be able to use Ferguson as a sounding board after a glittering managerial career, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United.

From Barron's

“He was a sounding board for the Enterprises on a variety of subjects, as he was known to be a highly in-demand, influential financial advisor and philanthropist in New York City.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

He says the general knowledge it has developed about him has turned it into an effective sounding board—especially when he’s under stress.

From The Wall Street Journal

Julie Lu is part of several mom friend groups that have been great sounding boards for raising kids and socializing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• audience