1. the action of measuring the depth of water
Usage: nautical
2. a measurement of the depth of water
Usage: nautical
3. the act of making a sound or noise

1. making a deep, resonant sound
2. giving an impression of importance or significance without real substance

Examples

• The captain ordered a sounding to check the water depth.
• The sounding revealed shallow water ahead.
• The sounding of the bell echoed across the valley.
• His sounding voice filled the auditorium.
• The politician’s sounding rhetoric impressed few voters.
• They took regular soundings as they approached the harbor.
• The sounding brass instruments dominated the orchestra.