WordGarden.iothud
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈʌd/
US
- /ˈθəd/
Meanings
Noun
a dull heavy sound made by something hitting or falling
Verb
to hit, fall, or move with a dull heavy sound
Beyond the definition
Imagine dropping a heavy stack of books onto a carpeted floor: that low, muffled thud is the sound of something solid hitting with force. It is not a sharp crash or a clear clang, but a deep, dull noise. Thud can also be a verb: something thuds when it falls or hits in this heavy way. You might hear the thud of heavy footsteps in the hallway or feel your heart thud against your ribs during a tense moment in a movie. Think of a heavy bag falling to the floor: that is the kind of sound this word describes.
The word "thud" evokes a specific sensory experience: a dull, heavy impact. It is more than just a noise; it suggests a substantial object making contact with a surface that absorbs some of the energy, creating a muffled resonance rather than a sharp echo. Think of a ripe melon dropping onto the grass or a heavy branch falling onto the forest floor—those are quintessential thuds.
Grammatically, "thud" functions as both a noun (the sound itself) and a verb (the act of making the sound). You might say, "The package landed on the porch with a soft thud," or "My heavy boots thudded against the wooden floorboards." It often implies a certain lack of grace or a degree of clumsiness, suggesting that the object fell rather than being placed.
Beyond the physical realm, "thud" carries significant metaphorical weight. It can describe a visceral physical sensation, such as your heart thudding with fear or excitement. It is also frequently used to describe a failure or a disappointing reception; for instance, if a joke or a new product "lands with a thud," it means it failed to make a positive impression and was met with silence or indifference. Whether describing a falling object, the rhythm of a racing heart, or a social failure, "thud" captures a weighty, muffled impact that is both heard and felt.
Examples
- 1
Sudden noise
We heard a loud thud from upstairs.
- 2
Impact sound
The box hit the floor with a thud.
- 3
Heavy footsteps
Heavy footsteps thudded down the hall.
- 4
Music vibration
Bass from the club thudded through the walls.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Failed joke
His latest joke landed with a thud.
- Phraseland with a thud
fail badly, especially when a joke or idea gets no good reaction
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thudnounverb
Forms
- thudding-ing formverbnoun
- thudspluralnounverb
- thuddedpast tenseverbnoun