sound check: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal in core meaning; technical in audio contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sound check” mean?
A test of audio equipment and sound levels before a performance or recording.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A test of audio equipment and sound levels before a performance or recording.
Any preliminary test of audio quality or functionality; metaphorically, a quick assessment of a situation or person's state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling: typically as two words in both varieties, though hyphenated form 'sound-check' is also common, especially as a verb.
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with live music, broadcasting, and public speaking.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to the global nature of music and audio technology.
Grammar
How to Use “sound check” in a Sentence
[Subject] does/has/completes a sound check.[Subject] is sound-checking [the system/equipment].Let's sound check [the mic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sound check” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The band will sound-check at six o'clock.
- We need to sound-check the new speakers.
American English
- The engineer is sound-checking the system now.
- Let's sound-check before the audience arrives.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The sound-check procedure is crucial.
- We're in the sound-check phase.
American English
- He has a sound-check checklist.
- The sound-check time is posted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in presentations: 'Let's do a quick sound check on the team's morale.'
Academic
Very rare outside of technical papers on acoustics or performance studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing concerts, theatre, or public events. Metaphorical use is informal.
Technical
Standard term in audio engineering, live sound, broadcasting, and theatre.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sound check”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sound check”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sound check”
- Using it as a single word 'soundcheck' in formal writing (though common informally).
- Confusing with 'soundproof' or 'hearing test'.
- Using it for visual equipment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two words ('sound check') or with a hyphen ('sound-check'), especially when used as a verb. The one-word form 'soundcheck' is informal.
Yes, informally. For example: 'We need to sound-check the guitars.' In very formal technical writing, 'perform a sound check on' might be preferred.
A sound check focuses specifically on testing audio equipment and levels. A dress rehearsal is a full run-through of the entire performance, including costumes, lighting, and sound.
It's a recognisable and growing informal/metaphorical use (e.g., 'Let me do a quick sound check on your French pronunciation'), but it is not as established as the technical meaning.
A test of audio equipment and sound levels before a performance or recording.
Sound check is usually neutral to informal in core meaning; technical in audio contexts. in register.
Sound check: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊnd ˌtʃek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊnd ˌtʃek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Do a sound check on someone (informal: assess their mood/state).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a musician checking their SOUND before a CHECK-list of performances.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS TESTING EQUIPMENT (e.g., 'Let's sound-check our plan').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'sound check' be LEAST appropriate?