sound off

verb

sounded off; sounding off; sounds off

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.
On the other hand, Arenas sounded off on the Cowboys for going through with such a trade. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 For the writers pictured here, engaging with culture isn’t a hobby or a sideline or a way of sounding off. Richard Renaldi, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 After the news of her casting was announced, fans sounded off on social media and shared their view on a celebrity joining the show. Nathan Vinson, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Continue reading … IN OTHER NEWS SODA SWAP – Costco's Pepsi-to-Coke switch goes viral as members sound off. FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Sound off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sound%20off. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

sound off

verb
1
: to count while marching
2
: to voice one's opinions freely with force
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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