p.pr. & ·vb.n. of sound.
2. sounding ·noun measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.
3. sounding ·adj making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding words.
4. sounding ·noun the act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).
5. sounding ·noun the sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.
6. sounding ·noun any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom;
usually in the plural.