sound off

verb

sounded off; sounding off; sounds off
Synonyms of sound offnext

intransitive verb

1
: to play three chords before and after marching up and down a line of troops during a ceremonial parade or formal guard mount
2
: to count cadence while marching
3
a
: to speak up in a loud voice
b
: to voice one's opinions freely and vigorously

Examples of sound off in a Sentence

she never missed a chance to sound off about the latest “stupid” political decisions the guard captain commanded each sentry to sound off
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regardless, fans on social media sounded off about the lack of grandstand seats (tickets to the event were free and sold out quickly). Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company, is ready to sound off on the debate. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026 During a virtual listening session hosted last week by the inspector general’s office, dozens of people sounded off on the department’s use of Flock cameras. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Other members of the cast have sounded off about Sheridan’s writing for the series in recent weeks. Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound off

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sound off was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Sound off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20off. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

sound off

verb
1
: to count while marching
2
: to voice one's opinions freely with force
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