Soughing

Soughing (pronounced 'suff-ing') describes the soft, rustling or murmuring sound made by the wind passing through trees, grasses, or other foliage. It can also apply to the gentle sound of water, particularly waves or a flowing stream, or even a similar noise produced by human activity like the distant murmur of a crowd. The sound often evokes a sense of tranquility, mystery, or the vastness of nature. The word's onomatopoeic quality, the way it sounds like the noise it describes, enhances its evocative power. The intensity of the soughing can vary, from a gentle whisper to a more pronounced roar, reflecting the strength of the causative force.

Soughing meaning with examples

• The ancient pines swayed rhythmically, their needles whispering a soft soughing melody as the wind swept through the forest. It was a peaceful sound, lulling the hiker into a deeper sense of connection with nature.
• As the sun began to set, a gentle soughing filled the air, the sound of the tall prairie grasses rustling together, which sent a sense of peace throughout the campsite.
• Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the quiet soughing of the ocean as the waves lapped the shore, lost in her worries about a looming work deadline.
• The distant soughing of traffic provided an ambient, constant background noise to the apartment, although it was mostly ignored by the residents who had grown accustomed to it.
• He closed his eyes, listening to the soughing of the river as it carved its path through the rocks, a constant reminder of the passage of time and the power of nature.