Definition of sounding

• p. pr. & vb. n. - of Sound
• a. - Making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding words.
• n. - The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).
• n. - measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.
• n. - Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom; -- usually in the plural.
• n. - The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.