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.
The Massachusetts attorney general is sounding off after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a group of Maryland parents who challenged their school district’s decision to deny them the ability to opt out their young children from such instruction. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025 Fans sounded off in the comments section about the father-daughter duo's interaction. Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 26 June 2025 Costco members on a Reddit page devoted to Costco gossip also sounded off about the new drink. Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 8 June 2025 Videos from the scene show plumes of smoke, blown out windows on nearby buildings, and sirens sounding off. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 17 May 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 Jul. 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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