sounding

/ˈsaʊndɪŋ/
noun
  1. The act of measuring the depth of water, typically with a weighted line.
    • The captain ordered a sounding to check the depth before entering the harbor.
    • They took soundings every few minutes to avoid running aground.
    • The old sailor taught me how to do a sounding with a lead line.
  2. A measurement or investigation of opinion, attitude, or conditions.
    • We did some soundings to see if the community would support a new park.
    • The politician made soundings among voters before announcing his candidacy.
    • Her soundings revealed that most employees were unhappy with the new schedule.
  3. A particular type or quality of sound (often used in combination, e.g., 'loud-sounding').
    • The strange-sounding noise came from the engine.
    • The high-sounding alarm woke the whole neighborhood.
    • She has a sweet-sounding voice that calms everyone.
Synonyms
adjective
  1. Making a particular impression when heard; having a specified sound quality.
    • He gave a hollow-sounding excuse for being late.
    • The bell had a deep, resonant-sounding tone.
    • The loud-sounding music could be heard from blocks away.
  2. Having an impressive or important ring to it, often without real substance.
    • The politician made high-sounding promises that he never kept.
    • The company's mission statement was noble-sounding but vague.
    • Her speech was full of grand-sounding phrases but little action.