sound·ing 
/ˈsaʊndɪŋ/ noun
plural sound·ings /ˈsaʊndɪŋ/ noun [count] 1 : a measurement of the depth of water
▪ The sailors were taking soundings as the ship approached the coast. 2 : something that is done to find out what people think about something — usually plural ▪ They took soundings on his chances of winning. [=they talked to and questioned people about his chances of winning]
▪ The sailors were taking soundings as the ship approached the coast.
