I. ˈsau̇ndiŋ, -dēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from gerund of sounden to sound (measure depths) — more at sound
1.
a. : measurement by sounding
b. : the depth so ascertained — see echo sounding
c. soundings plural : a place or part of a body of water where a hand sounding line will reach the bottom
2. : measurement of the condition of the atmosphere at various heights
3. : a probe, test, or sampling of opinion or intention : inquiry , investigation
has started soundings of farmer sentiment on future farm policy — New York Times
•
- in soundings
- out of soundings
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English souning, from present participle of sounen to sound — more at sound
1. : emitting, reverberating, resonant , resounding , sonorous
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal — 1 Cor 13:1 (Authorized Version)
a sounding kiss — Osbert Sitwell
the sounding cataract haunted me like a passion — William Wordsworth
— often used in combination with a preceding adjective or adverb
clear sounding
loud sounding
fine- sounding phrases
2. : high-sounding
sounding commonplaces
apt to be taken in by sounding phrases — W.F.DeMorgan
III. noun
: signifying herein