sounding board

American  

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.

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sounding board British  

noun

1. Also called: soundboard.  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 called: soundboard.  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

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Etymology

Origin of sounding board

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Where AI tools genuinely shine, Kates said, is as a “second brain,” or a sounding board for financial strategy, rather than an executor of it.

From MarketWatch

The best accountants empathize and provide a compassionate sounding board to help clients with tough challenges.

From MarketWatch

In its first two seasons, Domingo serves as the show’s heart, a transparent sounding board for the troubled main character to unload deep trauma.

From The Wall Street Journal

McInnes knows he is privileged to be able to use Ferguson as a sounding board after a glittering managerial career, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United.

From Barron's

“He was a sounding board for the Enterprises on a variety of subjects, as he was known to be a highly in-demand, influential financial advisor and philanthropist in New York City.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• audience