WordGarden.ioonomatopoeia
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɒnəmˌætəpˈəʊiə/
US
- /ˌɑnəˌmætəˈpiːə/noun
Meanings
Noun
the use or formation of words whose sound imitates what they name
a word whose sound imitates a real sound, such as buzz or hiss
Beyond the definition
Have you ever noticed how some words sound like what they describe? That's what this word means. It is used for words that copy or suggest a real sound. Think about a buzzing bee: we say "buzz" because that is close to the sound it makes. Or think of a clock that goes "tick-tock."
It is not just for animal sounds. You can find it in everyday language too. Words like splash, gurgle, hiss, and boom help a reader or listener almost hear what is happening. Writers often use them to make a scene feel more alive, especially in poetry, children's books, and comic books with sounds like "POW!" or "BANG!"
Onomatopoeia (pronounced on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-uh) is the use of a word that imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes. It is more than just making up funny noises; it is a language tool that adds color, energy, and realism to speech and writing. The word itself comes from Greek roots meaning "name-making."
Sometimes the match between word and sound is very close, and sometimes it only gives the general feel of the noise. Different languages also often represent the same sound in different ways. For example, English speakers say "meow" for a cat's cry, while Japanese speakers use "nyaa" and French speakers use "miaou."
You can find it almost everywhere: in poetry, in stories, in comics, and in everyday speech. A writer might describe the whoosh of wind through the trees, the clang of metal, or the drip of water in a quiet room. Comic books are especially famous for bold sound words like "Zap!", "Wham!", and "Thud!" that make action feel immediate.
Beyond simple sound imitation, it can also create a feeling or mood. A word like murmur feels soft and quiet, while crash feels sudden and harsh. So the next time a written sound seems to jump off the page, there is a good chance this device is helping bring the scene to life.
Examples
- 1
Comics
The comic is full of onomatopoeia, with words like bang and crash on every page.
- 2
Schoolwork
We had to find three examples of onomatopoeia in the poem.
- 3
Poetry
The poet uses onomatopoeia to make the storm feel louder and closer.
- 4
Language differences
Onomatopoeia can be different from language to language; a rooster does not sound the same in every country.
See also
Similar
- sound imitation
- echoism
Contrast
- arbitrary sign
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- examples of onomatopoeia
- onomatopoeia in poetry
- use of onomatopoeia
Word family
- onomatopoeic
- onomatopoetic
Explore
- literary device
- sound symbolism
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- onomatopoeianoun