English Reference

Word

sound

US/ˈsaʊnd/

UK/sˈaʊnd/

Definitions

01something you hear

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. something that you can hear or that is made by vibrations.

n. a sensation perceived by the ear caused by vibrations transmitted through a medium such as air or water.

“The sound of the rain on the roof helped me fall asleep.”

“The acoustic properties of the hall ensured that every sound from the stage reached the back row with perfect clarity.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02geography

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Geography

n. a narrow area of water that connects two larger areas of water.

n. a long, relatively wide passage of ocean water or an inlet, often connecting two larger bodies of water or separating an island from the mainland.

“The ferry crossed the sound to reach the island.”

“Navigating the sound required a deep understanding of the local currents and the hidden sandbars that shifted with each tide.”

03to seem or appear

A2 · Elementary

v. to give a certain impression when you hear or read about something.

v. to convey a specific impression or quality when heard or described; functions as a copular verb.

“That sounds like a great idea for a weekend trip.”

“The proposal sounds promising in theory, though the financial projections seem somewhat optimistic given the current market volatility.”

Synonyms

04to check depth or opinions

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to try to find out what someone thinks or how deep water is.

v. to measure the depth of water or, figuratively, to examine or probe someone's thoughts and intentions.

“I will sound him out about the new project before the meeting.”

“The diplomat spent the afternoon sounding out his counterparts to gauge their willingness to compromise on the treaty.”

Synonyms

05healthy or solid

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. in good condition, healthy, or based on good evidence.

adj. physically healthy, structurally stable, or logically valid and reliable.

“The doctor said he has a sound heart and is very fit.”

“The architect confirmed that the building's foundations were sound, despite the visible cracks in the upper masonry.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

06deep sleep

B1 · Intermediate

adj. used to describe a very deep and peaceful sleep.

adj. referring to sleep that is deep, uninterrupted, and heavy.

“She was in a sound sleep and didn't hear the phone ring.”

“After forty-eight hours on duty, the surgeon fell into a sound sleep that even the hospital sirens could not disturb.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

07good or likable

C1 · Advanced British English · Slang · Informal

adj. used to say that someone is a good person or something is okay.

adj. denoting a person who is dependable and likable, or a situation that is satisfactory.

“He's a sound guy; he helped me move house last week.”

“I've known the landlord for years and he's always been sound regarding repairs and rent increases.”

08agreement

C1 · Advanced British English · Slang · Informal

interj. a way to say 'yes', 'okay', or 'I understand'.

interj. used as an exclamation to express agreement, understanding, or approval.

“"I'll meet you at eight." "Sound, see you then."”

“When I told him the plan for the weekend, he just nodded and said, "Sound," before heading out the door.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sound” in context.

Noun

01. sound produce

“The sound produced by the violin was hauntingly beautiful.”

noun + verb

Real-World Examples

“While this sounds great on paper, it could mean losing money and clients for many, so they question whether they have to take it or not.”
The Local 14 Aug 2026
“Their subsequent releases veered into a glossier pop sound and generally remained as successful.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026
“And the story he tells is of a woman who discovers holes appearing in her garden and they are emitting a sound she cannot quite recognise.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“The only sounds are the birds and the river.”
The Guardian 18 Jul 2026

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Idioms

Domains

GeographyLawLogicMathematicsMedicineMusic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Very common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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