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

The rise in people living alone, or without close relationships, also means more are missing a casual sounding board, Bennett suggests.

From Slate

Lindstrom added: “He was a mentor, a sounding board, a trusted confidant, and even a father-figure...he was one of the funniest people you could hope to spend time with over a bottle of good wine and a great meal.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Apart from her work with the children of Jamia, Gerda also helped its founders raise funds for the university, prepare speeches and often acted as their sounding board for all matters related to teaching and politics.

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

Related Words

• audience