soundboard

[ sound-bawrd ]

noun

1. an electronic device used for monitoring, blending, fading, substitution, etc., of sounds from various sources; mixer.
2. 1. a thin, resonant piece of wood forming part of a musical instrument, placed to enhance the power and quality of the instrument's sound.
   2. a structure over or behind and above an area where someone or something makes sound, intended to direct the sound usually away from the person or thing.
   3. a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for quieting sound.
3. a person or group that responds to and helps evaluate proposed ideas, methods, etc., for their effectiveness or value.
4. a person or group that comes up with and spreads ideas, opinions, etc.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to propose ideas, methods, etc., to a person or group to help evaluate the effectiveness or value of those ideas, methods, etc.:

   It's good to have someone to soundboard off of when you're first starting a business.

   If we don't soundboard our ideas, we may miss important details.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soundboard¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; sound ¹ + board

Example Sentences

Understandably, there have been skeptics believing that dogs who use soundboards don’t understand the words they’re using, but instead are responding to cues from their owners.

From Salon

Whatever it is studio technicians do seated at those knobby soundboards, Payne achieves with acting and characterization.

From New York Times

Ben Teitelbaum, a senior editorial producer at Calm who collaborates with Shetty on his content for the app, offers a suggestion from the soundboard.

From Los Angeles Times

Clarke: I was a college freshman when I auditioned for a production of “Company” — I didn’t get cast, but I ended up assisting on the soundboard, so I watched the show over and over again.

From Los Angeles Times

Pet owners can purchase buttons and soundboards from about $30 for a starter kit to $230 for a “They can talk” complete set.

From Washington Post