What does sonorous mean?
Sonorous is an adjective describing a sound that is full, deep, and resonant. It is commonly applied to voices, musical instruments, bells, and other sources of audible richness. A sonorous voice need not be loud; its distinguishing quality is the resonance and body it gives to a sound. The word is often complimentary, particularly in descriptions of performers, speakers, and musical instruments, although it can also appear in formal discussion of acoustics or figurative language. Sonorous should not be confused with simply loud or with clamorous, which suggests insistent and disruptive noise. The word entered English from the Latin sonorus, meaning “sounding” or “resonant,” and ultimately reflects the Latin sonor, meaning “sound.” Its familiar relatives include sonority and sonorant. For readers seeking a precise description of vocal or instrumental quality, sonorous offers an elegant and authoritative alternative to words such as rich, deep, and resonant.
adjectiveProducing or having a full, deep, resonant sound. It is especially used of voices, instruments, bells, and other sources of sound.
- Producing or having a full, deep, resonant sound.
"The tenor filled the cathedral with his sonorous voice."
"Her sonorous reading gave the old manuscript new resonance."
"A sonorous bass note rolled through the concert hall."
Sonorous is the sound term for a voice that does more than carry—it fills the room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sonorous come from?
Sonorous entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin adjective sonorus, meaning “sounding” or “resonant.” Latin sonor meant “sound,” and it is the source of related English words such as sonority and sonorant. The development of sonorous preserved the Latin emphasis on full resonance and a sound that carries with depth and richness.
Related word forms
How sonorous is actually used
Sonorous is standard but somewhat formal and literary. It is often positive when describing a voice or instrument, emphasizing richness and resonance rather than simply volume.
Easily confused with sonorous
Sonorous describes a full, deep, resonant sound, whereas clamorous describes noise that is loud, insistent, and demanding of attention.