1Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.

光比声传播得快。

1. 1.1count noun A thing that can be heard.
   she heard the sound of voices in the hall

   她听见大厅里有说话声。

   don't make a sound

   不要出声。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The sound of the celebrations reached them about halfway down the hill.
   • The sound reached him seconds before he skidded around the corner and located her.
   • The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound to be heard coming from the dreary hospital room.
   • She moved quietly around the camped and froze when she heard a loud rumbling sound.
   • Every few minutes a piercing ringing sound could be heard when the inspector examined each alarm.
   • Just as my eyelids drooped down, I heard a familiar mewing sound.
   • This sound reached to the edge of the forest and was like a great clamor of metals striking together.
   • He immediately grabbed it again, when we both heard the unmistakable sound of a shoe squeak.
   • The sound of giggling reached his ears, and Max swiveled his head to find the source.
   • She listened to hear what she might, but the only sound was the steady clatter heard earlier.
   • The sound of distant ships' engines can be heard from a nearby river, which is dotted with swaying willows.
   • The sound reached a crescendo, then trailed off to the south in a quickly fading Doppler echo.
   • After a while, the faint, almost inaudible but unmistakable sound of footsteps could be heard.
   • The shadow quickly disappeared and the faint sound of fleeing footsteps could be heard.
   • I heard the ugly sound of a lock click and that is when the stares and whisperings came.
   • The endless sound echoed like thunderous footfalls, beating a tattoo on the inside of her skull.
   • The familiar sound of the elevator reaching its designated floor made both women jump.
   • I let out a hideous animal sound as I sank to my knees to finish off this beast.
   • When he had gone to wait for me in the mine, he had heard a low rumbling sound.
   • From the door at the very end of the corridor I hear the all-too familiar sound of footsteps.

   Synonyms

   noise, note, din, racket, row, bang, report, hubbub, resonance, reverberation
2. 1.2 The area or distance within which something can be heard.
   听力范围；听距
   we were always within sound of the train whistles

   我们总是处在听得见火车汽笛声的范围内。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Withers owns property within sound of that site.
   • I did though, manage to find ices made with local fruit, ate fish and chips within sound of the sea and got to swallow down an oyster or two.
   • The irony, of course, is that all too often the two sets of music sound exactly the same - which makes it all the more confusing.
   • The glamour of each of these plays has to do with what in them is aristocratic, removed, a high pastime played out within sound of the sea.
   • We have had a battle, and here I am still, within sound of the cannon!
   • Indeed, you can find some marvellous fishing within sight and sound of Copenhagen airport itself.

   Synonyms

   hearing distance, hearing, distance, earshot, range

2Sound produced by continuous and regular vibrations, as opposed to noise.

3Music, speech, and sound effects when recorded and used to accompany a film, video, or broadcast.

1. 3.1 Broadcasting by radio as distinct from television.
   无线电广播
   Example sentencesExamples

   • The accent at the BBC at the time was very much toward sound rather than television.
   • Vision was transmitted on 261.3 metres and sound on 398.9 metres, medium wave.
   • The dilemma facing the BBC at the time was it was still committed to maintain its mammoth organisation of sound broadcasting and television was very much secondary to its plans.
   • The fidelity of sound equipment subsequently improved considerably, but the receivers did not.
2. 3.2 The distinctive quality of the music of a particular composer or performer or of the sound produced by a particular instrument.
   （某个作曲家或表演者的）音乐的独特风格；（某种乐器的）独特音色
   the sound of the Beatles

   甲壳虫（或披头士）乐队的演唱风格。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The distinctive Jamaican sound of reggae provides a template for various diasporic musics in the Caribbean.
   • Experts said the new instruments have the same sound as those made of snake skin.
   • The sound of Spanish guitars has often been the source of irritation for me.
   • Musically I guess the move played a part in developing my own sound by expanding my range of influences.
   • The blaring sound of Spanish music twirled round in my head, and the brightly coloured morning sun shone through my closed eyes.
   • By swapping guitars for spoons, the band's sound is basic yet shiny.
   • Anyway, quite a few people have told me they like the guitar sound on it.
   • Their signature double guitar lead sound has influenced countless bands beyond the rock genre.
   • Their instrumental rock sound with quiet and loud dynamics evokes a certain calmness over the listener.
   • Everything's in place here, but they could stand to find a more distinctive sound vocally.
   • I just love the fact that he seems entirely fearless, which is why his sound is so distinctive.
   • Here are men who created a signature sound, something instantly recognizable and never duplicated.
   • Their music, while possessing an undeniably indie guitar sound, is just as quirky as the band seems to be.
   • The trademark sound of his instruments had been cheaply reproduced on digital synthesisers and he had lost control of his brand name.
   • We were always searching for the best bass drum sound.
   • But you know, if you listen to earlier records, the bass drum sounds weren't that great.
   • Their music has a very distinctive and fresh sound, hardcore but very melodic and experimental.
   • The band have spent the last few months working on new material and developing their very unique sound.
   • Much of the band's sound is identified by Chris' voice.
   • The bass guitar sound was typical for the era - round & fluid & effortless.

   Synonyms

   music, tones, note, chord
3. 3.3soundsinformal Popular music.
   sounds of the Sixties

   甲壳虫（或披头士）乐队的演唱风格。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • When it comes to the traditional sounds of country music, Johnny Loughrey continues to set the pace.
   • This is a gem of a song that can make anyone jump up and shake it to the sounds of new-wave "rebel rock."
   • My biggest beef with electric guitar sounds of the rock persuasion is the lack of dynamics.
   • Such sonic mayhem envisioned the sounds of madness, neurosis, and warped wit.
   • Patrons will also be able to enjoy the soothing sounds of jazz, reggae and traditional African music.

4in singular An idea or impression conveyed by words.

听得出来，你度过了艰难的一天。

1Emit or cause to emit sound.

蜂鸣器大声地响起来。

她鸣了喇叭。

1. 1.1with object Give an audible signal to indicate (something)
   发出声响警示（或告知）（某事）
   a different bell begins to sound midnight

   另一口钟开始宣告午夜到来。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Housing association chiefs have sounded a warning shot after evicting their first tenant in York for antisocial behaviour.
   • No alarm was sounded at the hospital to indicate any emergency.
   • A further warning note was sounded by Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players' Association.
   • The Abyssinian crisis of 1935 sounded the first alarm bells.
   • The air horn sounds a blast that can be heard over the roar of aircraft engines.
   • Each stanza is separated by an interlude for the horn, which sounds a deathly fanfare for the wounded and dying of Sitwell's poem.
   • The car's horn honked a few times, seemingly sounding a cavalry call.
   • The bell rang, which sounded the start for the day's schooling.
   • Senator Browne says this should have sounded a warning signal that one of the plants would close.
   • No bells or horns or trumpets sounded the warning of our arrival.
   • A motorist used her horn to sound the alarm and another tried to block the path of the other car as it sped off.
   • The bell rang loudly, sounding the beginning of the first period, geography class.
   • One email sounded a warning note.
   • At the end of the ceremony at sea, a further eight bells were sounded to mark the end of the watch aboard ship - and the first commemoration of the disaster.
   • If the area is so dangerous that it needs such drastic measures to slow down traffic then it seems wholly appropriate that drivers help the locals by sounding a warning sign of their presence.
   • Before he could find one a horn blew somewhere sounding the approach of dawn.
   • One of Yorkshire's leading manufacturing spokesmen has sounded a warning note on employment relations activity for the New Year.
   • The huntsman's horn sounded the final knell when the last traditional hunt by the Tedworth came to en end.
   • Should that not have sounded the warning bells?
   • If your smoke alarm is sounding nuisance alarms, it may need dusting or vacuuming.

   Synonyms

   ring, peal, toll

   strike
2. 1.2with object Express or convey (a warning)
   pharmaceutical companies are sounding the alarm about counterfeit drugs

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Here, though, a cautionary note may be sounded.
   • However, Mr Barry sounded a warning note about risks to water everywhere as the silage-cutting season moves into top gear.
   • Eads is now sounding a more conciliatory note on the WTO dispute.
   • There is also something else and that is there is a very deeply critical note now being sounded about the Catholic Church by Irish opinion formers.
   • But he sounded a ‘note of caution’ on plans to extend the powers of community safety officers.
   • City Councilman Frank Rizzo sounds a more nostalgic note on the way to suggesting his own candidacy.
   • Reynaud succeeded him, sounding a more resolute note, but his cabinet was as divided as Daladier's - and Daladier remained as minister of war.
   • But this week a panel of wildlife biologists and conservation advocates sounded a more positive note.
   • England and Wales are at the heart of this drive so let's sound a word of warning for them.
   • On all current form it should be another home win, but I say that sounding a very definite note of warning.
   • Frank Williams sounds a very different note.
   • Most reports of the now public autopsy results sound a strangely triumphal note.
3. 1.3with object Pronounce.
   sound the rhymes clearly

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Thus we are trying to get him to sound out refrigerator letters, the same way one would train children on phonics.
   • Sound the phrase Di di di di di, pulling the ee out freely.
   • The student should sound out the long /e/ sound.

   Synonyms

   pronounce, verbalize, voice, enunciate, articulate, vocalize, say

   rare enounce
4. 1.4with object Test (the lungs or another body cavity) by noting the sound they produce.
   听诊（肺或其他体腔）
   the doctor sounded her chest

   医生听诊她的胸腔。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • She saw several doctors who sounded her chest and asked if any of her relatives had died of consumption.
   • Yes, the vet sounded her chest, which was clear, and she is eating normally.

2no object Convey a specified impression when heard.

1. 2.1 (of something or someone that has been described to one) convey a specified impression.
   （向人描述的某人或某事）听上去
   it sounds as though you really do believe that

   听起来你似乎真的相信那件事情。

   with complement the house sounds lovely

   那房子听起来很不错。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The Beethoven sonatas, recorded two years later in Munich, sound considerably better.
   • This synopsis makes the film sound like a depressing cautionary tale but it isn't.
   • From a distance it does sound like a real crying baby and it has a chip inside so it monitors its surroundings.
   • Her name sounded so lovely, so sweet, as it was carried on the wind by his voice.
   • As bizarre as it might sound under this house there appeared to be an underground city.
   • Though it does sound like fun if I ever did have to.
   • Is it me, or does the name of this blog sound very familiar?
   • You can track your book's progress around the world, and it all sounds very lovely and whimsical.
   • Here, virtuoso Jacques Zoon makes Mozart's music sound as fresh and warm as a doe sipping from a clear mountain spring.
   • The advance copy of the record sounds lovely, but the fact there is a record out is more important than the record itself.
   • Even the house sparrow's song sounded harsh and sinister on the day.
   • But these contradictions make the film sound more lively and daring than it actually is.
   • The waves of pain blinded him, and made the noises of the day sound far away.
   • On the other hand, perhaps I am carefully picking my words so that I can make both Gaia and the animal kingdom sound as if they are alive.
   • And while the plot makes the film sound like a campy thriller, it never falls into that trap.
   • The woman on the airport intercom sounds lovely and understanding.
   • As daunting as that may all sound, you'd be amazed at how little the areas can matter.
   • The poets all read in their native language, so we didn't understand anything they were saying, though it still sounded lovely.
   • Production values are up to snuff; this DVD both looks and sounds good.
   • In fact, the way you've phrased your description of her behavior sounds like you want to be released.

   Synonyms

   appear to be, appear, look, look to be, look like, seem, seem to be, have the appearance/air of being, give/create the impression of being, strike someone as being, give every indication of being

   appear, look, seem

   give/create the impression that, strike someone that, give every indication that

   informal look like

1In good condition; not damaged, injured, or diseased.

他们安全地返回，毫发无损。

他的心智不健全。

1. 1.1 Financially secure.
   资金充实的
   she could get her business on a sound footing for the first time

   她第一次能让她的企业建立在稳固的资金基础上。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Mary Doherty in her treasurer's report gave some heartening news as there was a sound credit balance.
   • The club is in a sound position financially but we do need two or three players.
   • I believe the president should focus on putting Social Security on a sound footing.
   • They have all consistently demonstrated high clinical standards, good leadership and sound finances.
   • Our future standard of living depends on our ability to return to a sound currency.
   • Investments must be in financially sound firms with highly liquid shares.
   • We think Zambians just have to come up with a new work culture and work hard especially on the land to put their economy on a sound footing.
   • Waverley is on a sound financial footing, and that is how we want to keep it.
   • It is hoped that the sponsored event will put the award scheme on a sound financial footing and help in a bid to secure official charitable status.
   • He stressed however, that the project needed to generate its own funds to remain on a sound financial footing.
   • I don't regret having it, because it made me happy, but it certainly wasn't a very sound investment in financial terms.
   • Investing in Forestry makes sound commercial sense and can be viewed as a hedge against inflation.
   • Last week the Laverton Trust Management Committee published a draft plan, which they say will put the hall on sound footing.
   • If your finances are in a sound state, then you will survive any storms ahead.
   • And so, with only a few hours on the machine, this one was viewed as a sound investment.
   • A successful economy and sound public finances are crucial for sustainable investment in public services.
   • All small-scale soccer clubs run as much on sentiment than sound finance.
   • Thus structured fiscal reforms are needed to put public finance back on a sound footing.
   • While the men agree that a carbon tax would be one financially sound way to fight global warming, they disagree about how high the tax should be.
   • This week he defended their record which had seen the club put on a sound financial footing.

   Synonyms

   solvent, able to pay its debts, debt-free, not in debt, out of debt, in the black, in funds, in credit, creditworthy, of good financial standing, solid, secure

   rare unindebted
2. 1.2British informal Excellent.
   〈英，非正式〉非常棒的
   He ate his lasagne with relish. ‘It's sound, this.’

   他津津有味地吃着宽面条。“味道好极了，这面条。”

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It's really sound, too good to be true!
   • He's a sound bloke, solid, reliable and in short a diamond geezer.

2Based on valid reason or good judgement.

对于健康生活的合理建议。

这一科学内容是正确的。

1. 2.1 Competent, reliable, or holding acceptable views.
   有能力的；可靠的；有稳妥见解的
   he's very sound on his law

   Example sentencesExamples

   • We had an intelligent team, a very fundamentally sound team that worked together.
   • Curiously all the Lambeth residents I know think he's a sound bloke who has the right idea, and that's not just the smokers.
   • Kathleen was a deeply spiritual person with a sound knowledge of theology and philosophy.
   • But what a hard lesson for the young Newbridge man who had played a very sound game up to this point.
   • In this case I wouldn't say age really mattered because he's a sound guy and you can't help liking him.
   • Bohn possesses one of the most fundamentally sound and fluid games in the world.
   • Though limited by his size and skills, Hochstein is a sound technician with a great work ethic.
   • He took good care of his land and his livestock and was a sound judge of animals.
   • A sound knowledge of the laws of tennis is a definite prerequisite for becoming a ball boy.
   • In short, I believe that a sound person should have the right to choose whether to live or die.
   • The men in suits praise him for his sound knowledge of the game and his eye for talent; all the while overlooking his shortcomings.
   • The works are sound and competent, physically big and large in their sense of the personal too.
   • The best of them were sound judges of the quality, character and capability of their clients.
   • He's effective because he is technically sound and relentless when chasing the ball.
   • It now is commonly accepted that foreign players are more fundamentally sound than we are.
   • Steve was an absolute marvel to watch and a very sound bloke to listen to.
   • The author of Glanvill clearly had a sound grounding in Roman law, though the book makes it clear that English law is by no means the same.
   • This social order is not only essential to the practice of every sound government: it has its origin in divine law.
   • You have to be fundamentally sound and have a great game plan for every game over here.
   • Paul's reference to Lois was within the context of sound Christian Living.

   Synonyms

   reliable, dependable, trustworthy, fair

   good, sensible, intelligent, wise, judicious, sagacious, astute, shrewd, perceptive, percipient

3(of sleep) deep and undisturbed.

1. 3.1 (of a person) tending to sleep deeply.
   （人）容易酣睡的
   I am a sound sleeper

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I knew it was loud and sounded awful, but at least my family members were sound sleepers.
   • She forgot that he was such a sound sleeper and there was no way that a knock would wake him up.
   • So if we take a look at the brain of an insomniac do we find anything different from the brain of a sound sleeper?
   • I’ve always been a sound sleeper, but the condition is intensified by sleep deprivation.
   • An alarm clock to wake up any sound sleeper is available.

4(of a beating) severe.

这种人就应该被痛打一顿。

Soundly.

他睡得很熟。

1Ascertain (the depth of water in the sea, a lake, or a river), typically by means of a line or pole or using sound echoes.

1. 1.1 Find the depth of water in (a ship's hold).
   测量（船底舱）的水深

2Question (someone) discreetly or cautiously so as to ascertain their opinions on a subject.

我们要先试探一下议会。

1. 2.1 Inquire into (someone's opinions) discreetly or cautiously.
   试探（某人的意见或感受）
   officials arrived to sound out public opinion at meetings in factories

   官员们来到工厂参加会议探询公众意见。

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Her communications director has been sounding out Jewish support for the potential candidate.
   • We held a public debate about it - to sound out the opinions and mood of the audience.
   • The management is sounding out options for the German retail bank and is not in a hurry to reach a decision.
   • Some of the likely candidates did a phone-around of colleagues yesterday to sound out likely support.
   • Sounding out the export market pays off for South Wales anti-noise specialist.

   Synonyms

   investigate, test, check, examine, probe, carry out an investigation of, conduct a survey of, research, research into, carry out research into, explore, look into, canvass, elicit

3Medicine
Examine (a person's bladder or other internal cavity) with a long surgical probe.

4no object (especially of a whale) dive down steeply to a great depth.

A long surgical probe, typically with a curved, blunt end.

1A narrow stretch of water forming an inlet or connecting two wider areas of water such as two seas or a sea and a lake.

1. 1.1
   another name for Øresund