sound
Audible vibrations in air
Something you can hear, made by vibrations moving through the air or water.
the sound of [something]
- The sound of rain helps me sleep.
- I heard a strange sound coming from the kitchen.
- The sound of the guitar filled the room.
- Traffic sounds kept her awake all night.
- I hear a sound outside.
- The dog makes a loud sound.
- Music is a kind of sound.
- The baby likes the sound of her mother's voice.
Make a noise or signal
To make a noise, or to make something give a signal by noise.
sound [an alarm/a horn]
- Please sound the alarm if you see smoke.
- The referee sounded the whistle to end the game.
- They sounded the horn to warn the pedestrians.
- The teacher sounds the bell at 9 a.m.
- He sounds the horn before driving away.
- We sound the alarm when there is danger.
Seem in a way when heard
To seem in a certain way from what is said or heard.
sound [adjective]
- You sound tired—did you sleep well?
- That sounds like a great idea!
- He sounded angry on the phone.
- You sound happy today.
- That story sounds funny.
- She sounds sad now.
In good condition; undamaged
Strong, safe, and without damage or mistakes.
a sound [structure/plan/idea]
- The bridge is structurally sound.
- She gave me some sound advice.
- They made a sound investment in renewable energy.
- This house is sound and safe.
- He gave me sound help.
- Our plan is sound.
Narrow stretch of waterway
A narrow area of sea between two pieces of land.
- They sailed through the sound to reach the open sea.
- Puget Sound is known for its beautiful scenery.
- The ship anchored in the calm waters of the sound.
- We sailed across the sound.
- The sound is between two islands.
- Fish live in the sound.
- Base: sound
- Comparative: sounder
- Superlative: soundest
- Base: sound
- Plural: sound, sounds
- Base: sound
- 3rd Person Singular: sounds
- Present Participle: sounding
- Past: sounded
make a sound
1Produce any noise at all
To make any kind of noise.
- She didn’t make a sound during the movie.
- The baby suddenly made a loud sound.
sound like
1Give impression when heard
To seem in a certain way from what is heard or said.
- You sound like you're having fun.
- That sounds like a great plan!
sound off
1Express opinion loudly/forcefully
To talk loudly about your opinions, often complaining.
- He was sounding off about the new rules again.
- She sounded off on social media about the poor service.
sound out
1Check someone's opinion indirectly
To ask someone carefully about something to learn what they think before you decide.
- We need to sound out the staff before changing the schedule.
- She sounded him out about joining the project.
safe and sound
1Unharmed after danger or risk
Not hurt or damaged after something dangerous happened.
- After the long journey, we arrived home safe and sound.
- The missing hikers were found safe and sound.
safe and sound
2Unharmed after danger or trouble
Not hurt and okay after being in danger.
- They arrived home safe and sound after the storm.
- The missing child was found safe and sound.