sounding board
Americannoun
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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.
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a structure over or behind and above a speaker, orchestra, etc., to reflect the sound toward the audience.
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a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for deadening sound.
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a person or persons whose reactions serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the methods, ideas, etc., put forth.
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a person or group that propagates ideas, opinions, etc..
He was more of a sounding board than a novelist.
noun
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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
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Also called: soundboard. a thin screen suspended over a pulpit, stage, etc, to reflect sound towards an audience
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Where AI tools genuinely shine, Kates said, is as a “second brain,” or a sounding board for financial strategy, rather than an executor of it.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 19, 2026
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 ● Feb. 25, 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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
