sound

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++

Related topics: Broadcasting, Television & radio, Media

sound1 /saʊnd/ ●●● S1 W1 noun  1  [countable, uncountable]SOUND something that you hear, or what can be heard 声，声音 SYN noise There were strange sounds coming from the next room. 隔壁房间传来奇怪的声音。sound of She could hear the sound of voices. 她听到说话声。 a vowel sound 元音2  [uncountable] a) TCBAMTthe sound produced by a television or radio programme, a film etc 〔电视、广播、电影等的〕声音 We apologize for the loss of sound during that report. 我们对刚才的报道出现声音中断表示抱歉。 a sound engineer 一位音响师 b) AMLOUD/NOISYthe loudness of a television, radio, film etc 〔电视、广播、电影等的〕音量 SYN volumeturn the sound down/up Turn the sound down a little, will you? 把音量调低一点好吗？3  [countable usually singular, uncountable] the particular quality that a singer’s or group’s music has 〔某个歌手或乐队特有的〕嗓音，音乐风格 We’re trying to develop a harder, funkier sound. 我们正尝试建立一种更硬朗的、节奏更强劲的音乐风格。4  by/from the sound of it/things JUDGEjudging from what you have heard or read about something 听起来；看来 By the sound of it, things are worse than we thought. 听起来，情况比我们原来想的还要糟。5  not like the sound of something WORRIEDto feel worried by something that you have heard or read 感觉某事不妙 ‘There’s been a slight change in our plans.’ ‘I don’t like the sound of that.’ “我们的计划有个小小的变动。”“这消息不大好啊。”6  sounds [plural] British English informal songs or music that are on a record, CD, or tape 〔唱片或录音带中的〕音乐 I need to buy some new sounds. 我要买些新歌了。7. [countable usually singular] a narrow area of water that connects two larger areas of water 海峡，海湾 COLLOCATIONSadjectivesloud 大声的,响亮的There was a loud creaking sound and the branch snapped. 咔嚓一声巨响,树枝断了。faint/soft (=not loud) 微弱的/轻柔的The sound was so faint I wasn’t sure what it was at first. 那声音非常微弱,起先我都不知道是什么。deafening (=very loud) 震耳欲聋的The sound of the waterfall was deafening. 瀑布的声音震耳欲聋。distinctive/unmistakable 特别的/不会弄错的Suddenly from below came the unmistakable sound of gunfire. 突然,下面清清楚楚地传来了枪声。a strange sound 奇怪的声音I heard a strange sound coming from outside. 我听到外面传来一个奇怪的声音。a familiar sound 熟悉的声音nSuddenly she heard the familiar sound of the key being turned in the front door.a distant sound (=a long way away) 遥远的声音nAll seemed quiet, but for the distant sound of police sirens.a muffled sound (=not clear) 模糊不清的声音nNow there were muffled sounds of movement.a banging/tearing/hissing etc sound 砰砰/撕裂/咝咝等的声音nThere was an odd buzzing sound in her ears.verbshear a sound 听到声音She heard the sound of a car starting. 她听到汽车发动的声音。make a sound 发出声音The machine made a strange hissing sound. 机器发出奇怪的咝咝声。not make a sound (=be completely quiet) 没有发出一点声音He lay still and didn’t make a sound. 他静静地躺着,没有发出一点声音。a sound comes from somewhere 声音从某处传来The sounds seemed to be coming from the study below. 那声音好像是从下面的书房传来的。sound travels 声音传播nLight travels faster than sound.sound carries (=can be heard some distance away) 声音传到多远nI knew the sound of the horn would would carry for miles.a sound stops 声音停止nThe sound stopped suddenly.a sound dies away (=stops gradually) 声音渐渐消失nI listened until the sound had died away completely.COMMON ERRORS ► Don't say 'a strong sound'. Say a loud sound. 不要说 'a strong sound'。 而要说 a loud sound。 THESAURUSa high sound 高的声音squeak a very short high sound or cry 嘎吱声；短促的尖叫声I heard the squeak of his shoes on the tiled floor. 我听到他的鞋子踩在铺了地砖的地板上吱吱地响。Annie gave a squeak of surprise. 安妮惊讶地发出一声尖叫。creak a long high sound that something makes when someone opens it, walks on it, sits on it etc – used especially about a door, wooden floor, bed, or stairs （尤指门、木地板、床或楼梯等受力后发出的）嘎吱声the creak of floorboards 木地板的嘎吱声The door opened with a creak. 门吱呀一声开了。screech a loud, long, unpleasantly high sound – used especially about someone’s voice, or about brakes, tyres etc 尖锐刺耳的声音（尤指某人的嗓音、或刹车、轮胎等发出的声音）There was a screech of tyres followed by a bang. 轮胎发出吱的一声，紧接着砰地爆了。She let out a screech of horror. 她发出惊恐的尖叫。beep (also bleep British English) a high electronic sound that a machine sends out, especially in order to attract someone’s attention （电子设备或机器发出的）哔哔声You’ll hear a bleep when the photocopier’s finished printing. 复印机结束复印时会发出哔的一声。a quiet sound 轻的声音hum a quiet low continuous sound, especially from electrical equipment, traffic, an engine, or people’s conversation 嗡嗡声（尤指电子设备、车流、发动机等发出的声音或谈话的声音）The only sound was the faint hum of the air-conditioning unit. 唯一的声音是空调细小的嗡嗡声。He could hear the hum of distant traffic. 他听得到远处的车流声。rustle a continuous quiet sound from papers, leaves, or clothes when they rub together （纸张、树叶或衣服摩擦发出的）沙沙声，窸窣声She heard the rustle of dried leaves behind her. 她听到身后干枯的树叶在沙沙作响。the rustle of silk dresses 真丝礼服的窸窣声murmur a quiet low continuous sound, especially from people’s voices that are far away 低语声The murmur of voices died away. 低语声渐渐消失。They spoke in a low murmur. 他们轻声低语。rumble a series of long low sounds, especially from big guns, traffic, or thunder （尤指大炮、车流或雷电的）隆隆声I heard a rumble of thunder. 我听到雷声隆隆。the low rumble of a train approaching 火车开近时低沉的轰鸣声made by a liquid 液体的声音splash the sound that a liquid makes when something hits it, or when it hits against another thing （液体的）溅泼声，飞溅声She jumped into the pool with a big splash. 她跳进了游泳池，发出很响的扑通一声。the splash of the waves against the rocks 海浪拍打岩石的哗哗声gurgle the low sound that water makes when it flows gently over or through something （水流的）汩汩声the gurgle of a stream 溪水的汩汩声She listened to the gurgle as the water drained out of the bath. 她听着水汩汩地从浴缸中流走。plop the sudden short sound when something is dropped into a liquid （物体落入液体的）扑通声Kate dropped the ice into her glass with a plop. 凯特扑通一声把冰块扔进她的杯子里。made by air or gas 空气或气体的声音hiss a continuous high sound when air or gas comes out of something （空气或气体泄出时发出的）咝咝声There was a hiss of steam from the coffee machine. 咖啡机咝咝地冒着蒸汽。Workers reported hearing a loud hiss moments before the explosion. 工人报告说爆炸之前听到了很响的咝咝声。made by an explosion, gun etc 爆炸、枪炮等的声音bang a short sudden loud noise made by a gun, bomb etc （枪炮、炸弹等发出的）巨响，砰There was a loud bang as the bomb exploded. 砰的一声巨响，炸弹爆炸了。The firework went off with a bang. 烟花砰的一声炸响了。boom a very loud sound from an explosion, which you can hear for several seconds after it begins （爆炸发出的）隆隆声The building exploded into rubble with a loud boom. 大楼随着轰然一声巨响被炸成了废墟。The boom of artillery fire echoed in the distance. 炮火的轰鸣声在远处回荡。roar a continuous very loud noise that gets louder and continues for a long time （越来越响的持久）轰鸣声，隆隆声The light was followed by the deafening roar of explosions. 火光之后紧接着便是震耳欲聋的爆炸声。the roar of the ship’s guns 船上枪炮的轰鸣声made by things hitting other things 物体互相撞击的声音bang a loud sound caused especially when something hard or heavy hits something else （尤指硬物或重物撞击其他物体时发出的）巨响，砰I heard a loud bang and rushed out to see what had happened. 我听到砰的一声巨响，赶紧冲出去看看是怎么回事。He slammed the door shut with a bang. 他砰的一声摔上门。crash a very loud sound caused when something hits something else, especially when damage is caused 碰撞声，碎裂声The tray of dishes fell to the floor with a crash. 那一托盘的碟子哗啦一声掉落在地上。I heard an enormous crash outside our house, and I went to see what had happened. 我听到屋外砰的一声巨响，就出去看看发生了什么事。thud a quiet low sound made when a heavy object falls down onto surface （重物落到地面上发出的）闷响There was a dull thud as the box hit the floor. 箱子落地时，发出一声闷响。His head hit the ground with a sickening thud. 他的头撞到地上，发出一声揪心的闷响。thump a dull loud sound made when a heavy object hits something else （重物撞击其他物体时发出的）闷响There was a loud thump as Eddie threw Luther back against the wall. 嘭的一下，埃迪把卢瑟猛推回墙边。clink a short ringing sound made when two glass, metal, or china objects hit each other （玻璃、金属或瓷器碰撞时发出的）叮当声the clink of champagne glasses 香槟酒杯的叮叮当当The clink of cutlery could be heard in the restaurant. 在饭店里，可以听到餐具相碰的叮当声。tinkle the pleasant sound that is made by light pieces of glass or metal hitting each other repeatedly （轻巧的玻璃或金属物品互相撞击发出的）丁零声，叮当声He listened to the faint tinkle of cow bells in the distance. 他听着远处传来依稀的牛铃声。jingle the sound of small metal objects being shaken together （小的金属物品晃动时发出的）丁零声the jingle of her bracelets 她的手镯叮当作响the jingle of keys 钥匙的叮当声rattle a short repeated sound made when things hit against each other – used especially when part of something is loose and is hitting against something （物体互相碰撞时发出的）咔嗒声（尤指物体上松动的部件撞击某物的声音）There was a strange rattle coming from the engine. 引擎发出一种奇怪的咔咔声the rattle of the trolley 有轨电车的咔嗒声

Examples from the Corpus

sound• The ground mist clung closely to the hedgerows, discouraging the birds and damping down all sound.• the fascinating sights and sounds of Marrakesh• What you hear will incorporate high-fidelity sound, speech synthesis, and speech recognition.• Something's wrong with the TV - you can see the pictures, but there's no sound.• There's no sound coming from the TV.• Some of these planes can travel faster than the speed of sound.• The only sound in the house was the ticking of the clock.• What's that funny rattling sound coming from the back of the car?• She liked the sizzling sound of the water as it hit the stones when some one threw it from the bucket.• From the kitchen came the sound of pots thrown to the floor.• From the next room came the sound of laughter.• Colourful flashing lights synchronize the sound.• But there were neither apologies nor regrets, and the air rang to the sound of hundreds of cheers.• a vowel soundsound of• Just then, we heard the sound of voices outside.turn the sound down/up• You can test this by turning the sound down the first time you look at the programme.• Now he turned the sound down and watched the action on the screen.• She turns the sound down low but the picture goes on flickering.• They turn the sound up real loud.• One is to turn the sound down and tune into the radio commentary.• Can you predict the language you will hear when you turn the sound up?

Related topics: Linguistics, Oceanography

sound2 ●●● S1 W2 verb  1  seem 好像 [linking verb]SEEM if something or someone sounds good, bad, strange etc, that is how they seem to you when you hear about them or read about them 听起来；看起来；好像sound adj Istanbul sounds really exciting. 伊斯坦布尔听起来真够刺激的。 The whole story sounded very odd. 整个故事听起来很古怪。 $80 sounds about right for a decent hotel room. 一间像样的酒店房间 80 美元好像差不多了。sound nounBritish English British English That sounds a good idea. 那主意听起来很不错。sound like Nick sounds like a nice guy. 尼克听上去是个不错的家伙。it sounds as if/as though It sounds to me as if he needs professional help. 我觉得他似乎需要专业帮助。it sounds like informal It sounds like you had a good time on your trip. 听起来你旅途很愉快。 I’ll come over to Richmond and take you out for dinner. How does that sound (=used to ask someone what they think of your suggestion)? 我到里士满来，请你出去吃饭，怎么样？ faraway places with strange-sounding names 名字听起来怪怪的偏远地方2  noise 声响 [linking verb] if a noise sounds like a particular thing, that is how it seems to you when you hear it 听起来像sound like To Thomas, her laugh sounded horribly like a growl. 对托马斯来说，她的笑声像吼叫，很吓人。 I heard what sounded like fireworks. 我听到像是烟花的声音。sound adj Her breathing sounded very loud. 她的呼吸声很响。(it) sounds as if/as though The banging sounded as if it was coming from next door. 那砰的一声就像是从隔壁传来的。(it) sounds like informal It sounds like the dog wants to be let out. 听起来那条狗想要出去。3  voice 话音 [linking verb]SHOW A FEELING OR ATTITUDESHOW/BE A SIGN OF if someone sounds tired, happy, sad etc, that is how they seem to you when you hear their voice 听起来sound adj Are you okay? You sound tired. 你没事吧？听你的声音像是累了。 Josie didn’t sound very keen when I spoke to her. 我跟乔茜说的时候她好像兴趣不大。 Her voice sounded very young. 她的声音听上去很年轻。sound as if/as though You sound as if you’ve got a cold. 你听起来好像感冒了。sound like informal She sounded like she’d been crying. 她听起来好像在哭。sound like You sound just like my mother (=the things you say, opinions you express etc are just like the things my mother says). 你说话听起来就像我母亲。4  warning 警告 [transitive] to publicly give a warning or tell people to be careful 发出〔警告〕 Several earlier studies had sounded similar warnings. 早先的几次研究也提出过类似的警告。sound a note of caution/warning I would, however, sound a note of caution. 然而，我想提醒大家小心。 Now it is an American economist who is sounding the alarm. 现在是一位美国的经济学家在提出警告。5  make a noise 发出响声 [intransitive, transitive]SOUND if something such as a horn or bell sounds, or if you sound it, it makes a noise 鸣响，（使）发出响声 The bell sounded for dinner. 吃晚饭的铃声响了。 Sound your horn to warn other drivers. 按喇叭提醒其他司机。 She was unable to sound the alarm. 她无法拉响警报器。6  pronounce 发音 [transitive] technicalSL to make the sound of a letter in a word 发音 The ‘s’ in ‘island’ is not sounded. 中的字母 s 是不发音的。n Grammar Sound is usually passive in this meaning.7. measure depth 测量深度 [transitive] technicalTMHEO to measure the depth of the sea, a lake etc 测量〔海、湖等的〕深度 → soundings8 sound off phrasal verb a) informalCOMPLAIN to express strong opinions about something, especially when you complain angrily in a way that other people find rude or boring 高谈阔论，大发议论 〔以表达强烈的不满〕 about She’s always sounding off about too much sex in the media. 她经常大发议论，抱怨媒体上有太多的性内容。 He should check his facts before sounding off. 他应该先弄清楚事实再发表高论。b) American EnglishPMA if soldiers sound off, they shout out numbers or their names to show that they are there 〔士兵大声〕报数，报名字〔表示人在〕9 sound somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb ASK A QUESTIONto talk to someone in order to find out what they think about a plan or idea 试探…的意见，探听…的意图，探…的口气 He sounded people out and found the responses favourable. 他探了大家的口气，发现反应良好。 They want to sound out his opinion before they approach him formally. 他们想先探一探他的看法，再正式和他接洽。 about I wanted to sound her out about a job that I'm thinking of applying for. 有份工作我在考虑去申请，我想听听她的意见。n GRAMMAR: Linking verbsSound is a linking verb. This type of verb links the subject of the sentence with an adjective or noun: That sounds ridiculous.It sounds a good idea. → See Verb table

Examples from the Corpus

sound• If gas levels get too high, a warning bell will sound.• He sounds a pretty strange person.• $50 sounds about right.• Your system sounds fine and will certainly support either a Coral Beauty or a Bicolor Angel.• Jen sounded kind of tired on the phone.• "We're all going clubbing tomorrow night." "That sounds like fun."• It sounds like the conceit of a Disney movie.• It sounds like the Sugarhill Gang must still be in Tokyo.• Another process boils off the alcohol, which sounds painful.• That sounds pretty good to me.• I called my dad and told him what has happened. He sounded really angry.• The trip sounds really exciting.• Istanbul sounds really exciting.• Several earlier studies had sounded similar warnings.• She had sounded so nice on the phone, not knowledgeable but pleasantly enthusiastic.• I know that sounds very childish and naive, but think about it.How does that sound• Just something to distinguish hair f nail manic facial. How does that sound to you?• So why not bluff and come in from the left? How does that sound to you?(it) sounds like• That sounds like a bit of a stretch to me.• Although both males call, they do so in such close unison that it sounds like a single call.• It's the same sort of sound but much lower in volume and pitch - it almost sounds like a stomach rumbling.• This band sounds like an ulcer, a festering sore, a self-consuming but none the less exhilarating secretion of bile.• Homestead, it sounds like home.• A beautiful dish, it is more or less what it sounds like, sticky rice wrapped in green striated lotus leaves.• But it sounds like there is something wrong with John's breathing.• Unfortunately, it sounds like yours is in the latter category.sounding the alarm• Stewart dispatched a column sounding the alarm.• They have lost no time in sounding the alarm about an impending famine, which they say threatens 1.9m people.• Several health officials began sounding the alarm about the hazards of the sun's rays.• The Big Three began sounding the alarm in a big way when January sales figures were reported.• When it comes to sounding the alarm, they have an ally in the forest clearings.sound the alarm• It is placed in your child's seat and if he moves off it, the pressure-sensitive cushion sounds the alarm.• Stewart dispatched a column sounding the alarm.• Then, coming to herself again, she pressed the stud at her neck and sounded the alarm.• Volcanologist Pierce Brosnan and small-town mayor Linda Hamilton sound the alarm.• When the First Lady looked in on him and discovered he was missing, she panicked and sounded the alarm.• He was one of the earliest to sound the alarm about the fate of churches and their contents.• The Big Three began sounding the alarm in a big way when January sales figures were reported.• When it comes to sounding the alarm, they have an ally in the forest clearings.sound3 ●●○ W3 adjective  1  well-judged 判断正确的LOGICAL sensible or good, and likely to produce the right results 明智的；合理的；正确的 OPP poor The book is full of sound advice. 这本书中有许多合理的建议。 a man of great integrity and sound judgement 一个非常正直、判断力强的人ecologically/ideologically/theoretically etc sound environmentally sound farming practices 环保的耕作方法 a sound investment 合理的投资2  person 人 British English a) someone who is sound can be depended on to make good decisions and give good advice 有判断力的，有见地的sound on He’s very sound on matters of law. 他在法律事务方面很有见地。 b) informal someone who is sound is a good person and can be trusted – used especially by young people 〔人〕好的，不错的 〔尤为年轻人使用〕 My mum’s sound. She’d never throw me out. 我妈妈很讲理，她是绝不会轰我走的。3  thorough 彻底的COMPLETE [only before noun] complete and thorough 完全的，彻底的 a sound understanding of money and banking systems 对货币和银行业体制的透彻理解 a sound knowledge of English 扎实的英语知识 He has a sound grasp of European history. 他对欧洲历史有着透彻的理解。4  in good condition 状况良好的CONDITION/STATE OF something in good condition and not damaged in any way 完好的，无损的 OPP unsound The floor was completely sound. 地板完好无损。 Is the building structurally sound? 这幢建筑的结构完好吗？sound as a bell British English spoken (=in perfect condition) 完美无缺的5  healthy 健康的HEALTHY physically or mentally healthy 〔生理或心理上〕健康的 OPP unsoundof sound mind law (=not mentally ill) 心智健全的sound as a bell British English spoken (=in perfect health) 十分健康的6  sleep 睡觉SLEEP sound sleep is deep and peaceful 酣的，香甜的sound sleeper (=someone who always sleeps well) 睡觉沉的人 —soundness noun [uncountable] COLLOCATIONSnounsnsound adviceHe gave us some sound advice.nsound judgmentHe was beginning to rely on her sound judgment.na sound reasonBoth these buyers have sound reasons for their choice.a sound investment 合理的投资nProperty is usually a sound investment.na sound policyThe problems of industry will only be solved by sound economic policies.na sound basisSometimes friendship is a sound basis for a good marriage.nadverbsenvironmentally/ecologically soundThe government encourages environmentally sound management of the countryside.ideologically sound (=good, according to a set of beliefs)It was the ideologically sound thing to do.scientifically/technically soundAre these studies scientifically sound?

Examples from the Corpus

sound• Throughout the eighties some officials displayed a tendency to overdo the latest idea, often itself not particularly sound.• I believe that this trend will spread and that it is based on very sound educational grounds.• There may on occasions be sound educational reasons for adopting a style of interaction in which unfocused questions predominate.• A tense atmosphere is easy to create on stage with some sinister music and creepy sound effects.• The company offers sound financial advice to individuals and businesses.• Is recycling glass a sound idea?• Pragmatism as a conception of law does not stipulate which of these various visions of good community are sound or attractive.• There is no sound reason for the closure of this factory.• The importance of sound recruitment and selection can not therefore be overstressed.• At one minute before the start a sound signal is made.• Because he's sound, thought Mayta.• The ear picks up sound waves and converts them into signals that it sends to the brain.ecologically/ideologically/theoretically etc sound• They consider that unless the farming methods are tackled, no clothing industry can claim that its product is ecologically sound.• Working with nature is clearly practical, as well as ecologically sound.• They're ideologically sound, although sometimes they don't look it, know what I mean?• It's smart, effective, ecologically sound and it does pop in such a thirst-rousing way.• Such analysis provides is with a relatively precise, and theoretically sound methodology for dealing with perceivable changes in character.• It was an Apple Macintosh universe, aggressively informal, ecologically sound, physically fit.• Governing bodies in Oakland, San Francisco and Berkeley approved resolutions urging the company to adopt ecologically sound procurement policies.• The first criticism is that, although key settlement policies are theoretically sound, they have been poorly implemented in practice.sound as a bell• He's good, he's brilliant, and he's probably as sound as a bell.• My mind, once sound as a bell, became muddled and confused.• He considered her sound as a bell in most ways, apart from this mad preoccupation with Nicandra's social life.sound as a bell• He's good, he's brilliant, and he's probably as sound as a bell.• My mind, once sound as a bell, became muddled and confused.• He considered her sound as a bell in most ways, apart from this mad preoccupation with Nicandra's social life.sound sleeper• I do not wake in the night, I am a sound sleeper.sound4 adverb  1 sound asleep SLEEPdeeply asleep 熟睡 The baby was sound asleep. 宝宝在熟睡。Origin sound1 (1200-1300) Old French son, from Latin sonus sound2 1. (1200-1300) Old French soner, from Latin sonare, from sonus; → SOUND12. (1300-1400) Old French sonder, from sonde “line for measuring the depth of water” sound3 Old English gesund

sound1 noun →COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1sound2 verb →n GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2sound3 adjective →COLLOCATIONS1sound4 adverbLDOCE OnlineChinese  

that be heard hear, Corpus can something or you what

sound

I

sound¹ S1 W1 /saʊnd/ noun1. [uncountable and countable] something that you hear, or what can be heard
   SYN  noise:
    There were strange sounds coming from the next room.
    sound of
    She could hear the sound of voices.
    a vowel sound
2. [uncountable]
  a. the sound produced by a television or radio programme, a film etc:
    We apologize for the loss of sound during that report.
    a sound engineer
  b. the loudness of a television, radio, film etc
   SYN  volume
    turn the sound down/up
    Turn the sound down a little, will you?
3. [countable usually singular, uncountable] the particular quality that a singer’s or group’s music has:
    We’re trying to develop a harder, funkier sound.
4. by/from the sound of it/things judging from what you have heard or read about something:
    By the sound of it, things are worse than we thought.
5. not like the sound of something to feel worried by something that you have heard or read:
    ‘There’s been a slight change in our plans.’ ‘I don’t like the sound of that.’
6. sounds [plural] British English informal songs or music that are on a record, CD, or tape:
    I need to buy some new sounds.
7. [countable usually singular] a narrow area of water that connects two larger areas of water
     

COLLOCATIONS

■ adjectives
   ▪ loud There was a loud creaking sound and the branch snapped.
   ▪ faint/soft (=not loud) The sound was so faint I wasn’t sure what it was at first.
   ▪ deafening (=very loud) The sound of the waterfall was deafening.
   ▪ distinctive/unmistakable Suddenly from below came the unmistakable sound of gunfire.
   ▪ a strange sound I heard a strange sound coming from outside.
   ▪ a familiar sound Suddenly she heard the familiar sound of the key being turned in the front door.
   ▪ a distant sound (=a long way away) All seemed quiet, but for the distant sound of police sirens.
   ▪ a muffled sound (=not clear) Now there were muffled sounds of movement.
   ▪ a banging/tearing/hissing etc sound There was an odd buzzing sound in her ears.
■ verbs
   ▪ hear a sound She heard the sound of a car starting.
   ▪ make a sound The machine made a strange hissing sound.
   ▪ not make a sound (=be completely quiet) He lay still and didn’t make a sound.
   ▪ a sound comes from somewhere The sounds seemed to be coming from the study below.
   ▪ sound travels Light travels faster than sound.
   ▪ sound carries (=can be heard some distance away) I knew the sound of the horn would would carry for miles.
   ▪ a sound stops The sound stopped suddenly.
   ▪ a sound dies away (=stops gradually) I listened until the sound had died away completely.
■ COMMON ERRORS
    ► Do not say 'a strong sound'. Say a loud sound.
     

THESAURUS

■ a high sound
   ▪ squeak a very short high sound or cry: I heard the squeak of his shoes on the tiled floor. | Annie gave a squeak of surprise.
   ▪ creak a long high sound that something makes when someone opens it, walks on it, sits on it etc - used especially about a door, wooden floor, bed, or stairs: the creak of floorboards | The door opened with a creak.
   ▪ screech a loud, long, unpleasantly high sound - used especially about someone’s voice, or about brakes, tyres etc: There was a screech of tyres followed by a bang. | She let out a screech of horror.
   ▪ beep (also bleep British English) a high electronic sound that a machine sends out, especially in order to attract someone’s attention: You’ll hear a bleep when the photocopier’s finished printing.
■ a quiet sound
   ▪ hum a quiet low continuous sound, especially from electrical equipment, traffic, an engine, or people’s conversation: The only sound was the faint hum of the air-conditioning unit. | He could hear the hum of distant traffic.
   ▪ rustle a continuous quiet sound from papers, leaves, or clothes when they rub together: She heard the rustle of dried leaves behind her. | the rustle of silk dresses
   ▪ murmur a quiet low continuous sound, especially from people’s voices that are far away: The murmur of voices died away. | They spoke in a low murmur.
   ▪ rumble a series of long low sounds, especially from big guns, traffic, or thunder: I heard a rumble of thunder. | the low rumble of a train approaching
■ made by a liquid
   ▪ splash the sound that a liquid makes when something hits it, or when it hits against another thing: She jumped into the pool with a big splash. | the splash of the waves against the rocks
   ▪ gurgle the low sound that water makes when it flows gently over or through something: the gurgle of a stream | She listened to the gurgle as the water drained out of the bath.
   ▪ plop the sudden short sound when something is dropped into a liquid: Kate dropped the ice into her glass with a plop.
■ made by air or gas
   ▪ hiss a continuous high sound when air or gas comes out of something: There was a hiss of steam from the coffee machine. | Workers reported hearing a loud hiss moments before the explosion.
■ made by an explosion, gun etc
   ▪ bang a short sudden loud noise made by a gun, bomb etc: There was a loud bang as the bomb exploded. | The firework went off with a bang.
   ▪ boom a very loud sound from an explosion, which you can hear for several seconds after it begins: The building exploded into rubble with a loud boom. | The boom of artillery fire echoed in the distance.
   ▪ roar a continuous very loud noise that gets louder and continues for a long time: The light was followed by the deafening roar of explosions. | the roar of the ship’s guns
■ made by things hitting other things
   ▪ bang a loud sound caused especially when something hard or heavy hits something else: I heard a loud bang and rushed out to see what had happened. | He slammed the door shut with a bang.
   ▪ crash a very loud sound caused when something hits something else, especially when damage is caused: The tray of dishes fell to the floor with a crash. | I heard an enormous crash outside our house, and I went to see what had happened.
   ▪ thud a quiet low sound made when a heavy object falls down onto surface: There was a dull thud as the box hit the floor. | His head hit the ground with a sickening thud.
   ▪ thump a dull loud sound made when a heavy object hits something else: There was a loud thump as Eddie threw Luther back against the wall.
   ▪ clink a short ringing sound made when two glass, metal, or china objects hit each other: the clink of champagne glasses | The clink of cutlery could be heard in the restaurant.
   ▪ tinkle the pleasant sound that is made by light pieces of glass or metal hitting each other repeatedly: He listened to the faint tinkle of cow bells in the distance.
   ▪ jingle the sound of small metal objects being shaken together: the jingle of her bracelets | the jingle of keys
   ▪ rattle a short repeated sound made when things hit against each other - used especially when part of something is loose and is hitting against something: There was a strange rattle coming from the engine. | the rattle of the trolley

II

sound² S1 W2 verb1.  SEEM  [linking verb] if something or someone sounds good, bad, strange etc, that is how they seem to you when you hear about them or read about them
    sound adj
    Istanbul sounds really exciting.
    The whole story sounded very odd.
    $80 sounds about right for a decent hotel room.
    sound noun British English:
    That sounds a good idea.
    sound like
    Nick sounds like a nice guy.
    it sounds as if/as though
    It sounds to me as if he needs professional help.
    it sounds like informal:
    It sounds like you had a good time on your trip.
    I’ll come over to Richmond and take you out for dinner. How does that sound (=used to ask someone what they think of your suggestion)?
    faraway places with strange-sounding names
2.  NOISE  [linking verb] if a noise sounds like a particular thing, that is how it seems to you when you hear it
    sound like
    To Thomas, her laugh sounded horribly like a growl.
    I heard what sounded like fireworks.
    sound adj
    Her breathing sounded very loud.
    (it) sounds as if/as though
    The banging sounded as if it was coming from next door.
    (it) sounds like informal:
    It sounds like the dog wants to be let out.
3.  VOICE  [linking verb] if someone sounds tired, happy, sad etc, that is how they seem to you when you hear their voice
    sound adj
    Are you okay? You sound tired.
    Josie didn’t sound very keen when I spoke to her.
    Her voice sounded very young.
    sound as if/as though
    You sound as if you’ve got a cold.
    sound like informal:
    She sounded like she’d been crying.
    sound like
    You sound just like my mother (=the things you say, opinions you express etc are just like the things my mother says).
4.  WARNING  [transitive] to publicly give a warning or tell people to be careful:
    Several earlier studies had sounded similar warnings.
    sound a note of caution/warning
    I would, however, sound a note of caution.
    Now it is an American economist who is sounding the alarm.
5.  MAKE A NOISE  [intransitive and transitive] if something such as a horn or bell sounds, or if you sound it, it makes a noise:
    The bell sounded for dinner.
    Sound your horn to warn other drivers.
    She was unable to sound the alarm.
6.  PRONOUNCE  [transitive usually passive] technical to make the sound of a letter in a word:
    The ‘s’ in ‘island’ is not sounded.
7.  MEASURE DEPTH  [transitive] technical to measure the depth of the sea, a lake etc ⇨ soundings
     
sound off phrasal verb
  1. informal to express strong opinions about something, especially when you complain angrily in a way that other people find rude or boring
    sound off about
    She’s always sounding off about too much sex in the media.
    He should check his facts before sounding off.
  2. American English if soldiers sound off, they shout out numbers or their names to show that they are there
sound somebody/something ↔ out phrasal verb
  to talk to someone in order to find out what they think about a plan or idea:
    He sounded people out and found the responses favourable.
    They want to sound out his opinion before they approach him formally.
    sound somebody/something ↔ out about
    I wanted to sound her out about a job that I'm thinking of applying for.
     

THESAURUS

   ▪ appear a more formal word for ‘seem’: These reports appear to be unfounded.
   ▪ look to seem to be something, often because of what can be seen: The future looks bleak. | He looked pleased.
   ▪ sound used to say that something or someone seems to be something because of what you have heard or read about them, or because of the noise or voice that you hear: This study sounds very ambitious. | They heard what sounded like a blow.
   ▪ come across as something to seem to have particular qualities: He comes across as a very sensitive man.

III

sound³ W3 adjective1.  WELL-JUDGED sensible or good, and likely to produce the right results
   OPP  poor:
    The book is full of sound advice.
    a man of great integrity and sound judgement
    ecologically/ideologically/theoretically etc sound
    environmentally sound farming practices
    a sound investment
2.  PERSON British English
  a. someone who is sound can be depended on to make good decisions and give good advice
    sound on
    He’s very sound on matters of law.
  b. informal someone who is sound is a good person and can be trusted – used especially by young people:
    My mum’s sound. She’d never throw me out.
3.  THOROUGH  [only before noun] complete and thorough:
    a sound understanding of money and banking systems
    a sound knowledge of English
    He has a sound grasp of European history.
4.  IN GOOD CONDITION in good condition and not damaged in any way
   OPP  unsound:
    The floor was completely sound.
    Is the building structurally sound?
    sound as a bell British English spoken (=in perfect condition)
5.  HEALTHY physically or mentally healthy
   OPP  unsound
    of sound mind law (=not mentally ill)
    sound as a bell British English spoken (=in perfect health)
6.  SLEEP sound sleep is deep and peaceful
    sound sleeper (=someone who always sleeps well)
—soundness noun [uncountable]
     

COLLOCATIONS

■ nouns
   ▪ sound advice He gave us some sound advice.
   ▪ sound judgement He was beginning to rely on her sound judgement.
   ▪ a sound reason Both these buyers have sound reasons for their choice.
   ▪ a sound investment Property is usually a sound investment.
   ▪ a sound policy The problems of industry will only be solved by sound economic policies.
   ▪ a sound basis Sometimes friendship is a sound basis for a good marriage.
■ adverbs
   ▪ environmentally/ecologically sound The government encourages environmentally sound management of the countryside.
   ▪ ideologically sound (=good, according to a set of beliefs) It was the ideologically sound thing to do.
   ▪ scientifically/technically sound Are these studies scientifically sound?

IV

sound⁴ adverb
sound asleep deeply asleep:
    The baby was sound asleep.