sound hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Musical
Quick answer
What does “sound hole” mean?
An opening in the body of a stringed musical instrument (such as a guitar or violin) that allows sound to project outward from the resonating chamber.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An opening in the body of a stringed musical instrument (such as a guitar or violin) that allows sound to project outward from the resonating chamber.
In a broader technical sense, any aperture designed to allow acoustic energy to escape from an enclosed space, though this usage is rare outside of specific instrument contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, used primarily by musicians, luthiers, and musicologists.
Grammar
How to Use “sound hole” in a Sentence
The [instrument] has a [descriptor] sound hole.The sound hole is [located] on the [part of instrument].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sound hole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The luthier will carefully sound-hole the new guitar top.
- The design is not traditionally sound-holed.
American English
- The luthier will carefully sound-hole the new guitar top.
- The design is not traditionally sound-holed.
adverb
British English
- None standard.
American English
- None standard.
adjective
British English
- The sound-hole decoration was intricate.
- A sound-hole cover can reduce feedback.
American English
- The soundhole decoration was intricate.
- A soundhole cover can reduce feedback.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in the musical instrument retail or manufacturing sector.
Academic
Used in musicology, acoustics, and instrument design papers.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used by musicians discussing their instruments.
Technical
Primary domain. Used by luthiers, instrument makers, and repair technicians.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sound hole”
- Misspelling as 'soundwhole'.
- Using it to refer to a speaker grille or port in electronics, which is not standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words: 'sound hole'. The hyphenated form 'sound-hole' is sometimes used, especially as an adjective. The single-word form 'soundhole' is also accepted, particularly in American English.
Most solid-body electric guitars do not have functional sound holes, as they rely on electronic amplification. However, some semi-acoustic or hollow-body electric guitars do have f-shaped sound holes similar to those on violins.
They serve a similar acoustic principle (releasing sound pressure), but 'sound hole' is specific to musical instruments. The opening on a speaker cabinet is technically a 'port' or 'bass reflex port' and is not called a sound hole.
Yes, profoundly. The size, shape, and location of the sound hole influence the air resonance inside the body, which affects the instrument's volume, bass response, and overall tonal character.
An opening in the body of a stringed musical instrument (such as a guitar or violin) that allows sound to project outward from the resonating chamber.
Sound hole is usually technical / musical in register.
Sound hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊnd ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊnd ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a guitar: the HOLE where the SOUND comes out.
Conceptual Metaphor
The sound hole is the MOUTH of the instrument, from which its voice projects.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a sound hole on an acoustic guitar?