Abstract: Tagged sound file libraries are searched using an iterative search application. A searcher specifies a multi-term search query which is directed to the sound libraries. Responsive audio files from the libraries are ranked by confidence levels for the occurrence of sounds corresponding to searched terms, weighted by user-determined search term priorities. High-ranking candidate audio files are presented to the user who is able to indicate a preference or a disfavoring of the candidates. Based on the feedback, the application adjusts the priorities of the individual search terms in the search query, adds or removes search terms from the query, and performs a new search with a revised set of search terms. The results are ranked using the adjusted priorities. The iterative search locates files with desired sounds that conform to the initial search or that have evolved from it under the user's direction.