# sound

/ˈsaʊnd/ (US) · /sˈaʊnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sound
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. something you hear

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. geography

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to seem or appear

verb · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to check depth or opinions

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. healthy or solid

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 6. deep sleep

adjective · CEFR B1

used to describe a very deep and peaceful sleep.

For teachers: 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.

### 7. good or likable

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 8. agreement

interjection · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The sound of the rain is very relaxing.
- The sudden sound of a car alarm outside interrupted our conversation and made everyone look toward the window.
- Acoustic engineers must carefully consider how sound reflects off different surfaces to ensure that every seat in the concert hall receives a balanced auditory experience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.