soundproof

American  

[sound-proof] / ˈsaʊndˌpruf /

adjective

1. impervious to sound.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to be soundproof.

soundproof British  

/ ˈsaʊndˌpruːf /

adjective

1. not penetrable by sound

---

verb

1. (tr) to render soundproof

Other Word Forms

• soundproofing noun

Etymology

Origin of soundproof

First recorded in 1875–80; sound ¹ + -proof

Explanation

When you soundproof a room, you insulate it so that less noise can be heard outside it. A musician who records albums in her apartment might soundproof the room in which she keeps her drums. If you practice playing the bagpipes daily, you might want to soundproof your house so you won't bother your neighbors. Alternately, if you record books on tape in your bedroom, you could soundproof the room so that outside noises won't interfere with your work. You can also use soundproof as an adjective: "The party was in a soundproof room in the hotel, so we could turn the music up as loud as we wanted."

Example Sentences

Initial findings from an investigation suggest the fire began as sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam that lined the ceiling of the bar's basement.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

Each person sat in a soundproof room and focused on a fixed cross displayed on a screen.

From Science Daily • Dec. 23, 2025

On Tuesday, Manuel Vicente sat behind his makeshift desk in a soundproof room at the Pasadena Community Job Center, which helps connect day laborers with employment opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

Enrique works as an engineer and thinks it is "quite impossible to soundproof the stadium".

From BBC • May 30, 2025

It was like she didn’t even hear him, like she was in a soundproof bubble.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix