sounding board

noun

1. a thin, resonant plate of wood forming part of a musical instrument, and so placed as to enhance the power and quality of the tone.
2. a structure over or behind and above a speaker, orchestra, etc., to reflect the sound toward the audience.
3. a board used in floors, partitions, etc., for deadening sound.
4. a person or persons whose reactions serve as a measure of the effectiveness of the methods, ideas, etc., put forth.
5. a person or group that propagates ideas, opinions, etc.:

   He was more of a sounding board than a novelist.

sounding board

noun

1. Also calledsoundboard a thin wooden board in a piano or comprising the upper surface of a resonating chamber in a violin, cello, etc, serving to amplify the vibrations produced by the strings passing across it See also belly
2. Also calledsoundboard a thin screen suspended over a pulpit, stage, etc, to reflect sound towards an audience
3. a person, group, experiment, etc, used to test a new idea, policy, etc, for acceptance or applicability

Word History and Origins

Origin of sounding board¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Instead she advises people to only use it as a sounding board for broad inspiration.

From BBC

Since 2020, Mr Obama has been in regular touch with Ms Harris, providing counsel and serving as a sounding board whenever she's asked.

From BBC

She is really smart about so many aspects of this business; she’s a sounding board for me.

From Salon

Pelosi, according to a second source close to the congresswoman, made a point of being deferential to the president while serving as a sounding board for fellow concerned elected officials.

From Los Angeles Times

So as an actor, you walk into that world and he's the sounding board, all the answers are within him.

From Salon

Related Words

• audience