1 B2 idiomatic informal
To voice your opinions loudly and forcefully, often at length and sometimes irritatingly.
"My uncle is always sounding off about the government at family dinners."
inseparable
sound off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To express your opinions loudly, forcefully, or at length, especially when complaining or criticising.
In plain English
To talk loudly and strongly about your opinions, especially when you're annoyed or want people to hear you.
What does "sound off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In military contexts, to count off or announce yourself loudly in sequence.
"The sergeant ordered the recruits to sound off with their names and numbers."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often implies that the speaker is being self-important, aggressive, or tedious, though it can also be neutral. Common in American English. Can be followed by 'about' ('sounding off about politics').
Words that pair with "sound off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
about politics opinions complaints online publicly
How to conjugate "sound off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sound off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sounds off
he/she/it
Past simple
sounded off
yesterday
Past participle
sounded off
have + pp
-ing form
sounding off
continuous
Hear "sound off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sound off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "sound off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.