sound hole

noun

1. an opening in the soundboard of a musical stringed instrument, as a violin or lute, for increasing the soundboard's capacity for vibration.

sound hole

noun

1. any of variously shaped apertures in the sounding board of certain stringed instruments, such as the `f' shaped holes of a violin

Word History and Origins

Origin of sound hole¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Each country has its peculiar and native rendering of every sound hole that was first designed in Italy.

From Project Gutenberg

The belly has, besides the usual two sound-holes, an oval sound-hole in the middle, with an ornamental rose.

From Project Gutenberg

Old-fashioned shape, having several incurvations at the sides, and a sound-hole with a rose in the middle of the belly.

From Project Gutenberg

How bold is the conception, how delicate the workmanship, what a marvel of perfection the sound-hole!

From Project Gutenberg

Varnish of beautiful quality; sound-hole resembles that of Francesco Ruggeri.

From Project Gutenberg