soundbox: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (musicology, lutherie), occasionally informal when extended to voice.
Quick answer
What does “soundbox” mean?
The hollow resonating chamber in a stringed musical instrument (like a guitar, violin, or lute) that amplifies the sound produced by the vibrating strings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The hollow resonating chamber in a stringed musical instrument (like a guitar, violin, or lute) that amplifies the sound produced by the vibrating strings.
1) Any hollow structure designed to amplify sound, such as in certain early phonographs or megaphones. 2) Informally, can refer to the human throat or vocal apparatus, especially a singer's (e.g., 'He's got a powerful soundbox').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is consistently as one word.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “soundbox” in a Sentence
the soundbox of [a/the INSTRUMENT][INSTRUMENT]'s soundboxa soundbox made of [MATERIAL]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, only in the specific business of instrument manufacturing or repair.
Academic
Used in musicology, acoustics, and historical studies of instruments.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by musicians or in a descriptive context about an instrument.
Technical
The primary register. Used by luthiers, instrument makers, and in technical specifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soundbox”
- Spelling as two words: 'sound box'. The standard is one word: 'soundbox'.
- Confusing it with 'sound hole' (the opening on the soundbox).
- Using it to refer to speakers or modern electronic devices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes. For most stringed instruments like guitars, violins, and cellos, the 'soundbox' is the hollow wooden body that acts as a resonator. 'Body' is a more common general term, while 'soundbox' is more technical.
Not in the traditional sense. The term refers specifically to an acoustic resonant chamber. Electric guitars have solid or semi-hollow bodies, but their sound primarily comes from electronic amplification, not acoustic projection from a soundbox.
Yes. The soundboard (or 'top' of the instrument, like the guitar's front) is a key component *of* the soundbox. The soundbox is the entire hollow structure, including the top, back, and sides.
No. Only acoustic instruments that rely on a resonant cavity to amplify sound have one. Drums have a shell, wind instruments have an air column, and pianos have a large soundboard and case, but the term 'soundbox' is most tightly associated with hollow-bodied string instruments.
The hollow resonating chamber in a stringed musical instrument (like a guitar, violin, or lute) that amplifies the sound produced by the vibrating strings.
Soundbox is usually technical (musicology, lutherie), occasionally informal when extended to voice. in register.
Soundbox: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊndbɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaʊndbɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She]'s a walking soundbox (informal, for a loud person).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a guitar's body as a BOX for SOUND – it holds and projects the noise the strings make.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A CONTAINER FOR SOUND.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following would you be most likely to encounter the term 'soundbox' used correctly?