(1):

(n.) The sand, shells, or the like, that are brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.

(2):

(n.) Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom; - usually in the plural.

(3):

(n.) measurement by sounding; also, the depth so ascertained.

(4):

(a.) Making or emitting sound; hence, sonorous; as, sounding words.

(5):

(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sound

(6):

(n.) The act of one who, or that which, sounds (in any of the senses of the several verbs).