Onomatopoeic
adjective
Describes a word whose sound is similar to the noise that it represents. For example, 'buzz', 'moo', 'crackle'.
The word 'bang' is onomatopoeic as it sounds similar to the noise of a loud crash or explosion.
Often appears as...
- 'onomatopoeic words'
- 'onomatopoeic effect'
adjective
Referring to the use of words whose sounds suggest their meanings.
Poetic language is often onomatopoeic, capturing the essence of what is being described through sound as well as meaning.
Often appears as...
- 'onomatopoeic language'
- 'onomatopoeic poem'
adjective
Describes a word whose sound is similar to the noise that it represents. For example, 'buzz', 'moo', 'crackle'.
The word 'bang' is onomatopoeic as it sounds similar to the noise of a loud crash or explosion.
Often appears as...
- 'onomatopoeic words'
- 'onomatopoeic effect'
adjective
Referring to the use of words whose sounds suggest their meanings.
Poetic language is often onomatopoeic, capturing the essence of what is being described through sound as well as meaning.
Often appears as...
- 'onomatopoeic language'
- 'onomatopoeic poem'
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Imitation
Onomatopoeic words imitate the sounds they describe, helping listeners imagine them better.
Words like 'sizzle' depict the sound of cooking with their spelling and pronunciation.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Usage
Writers often use onomatopoeic words to make their writing more vivid and engaging.
The story began with a 'whisper' that grew into a 'roar'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Universal
Onomatopoeic words can vary in different languages, as they mimic sounds specific to each language.
In English, a dog's sound is 'bark', but in Spanish, it's 'guau'.
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Imitation
Onomatopoeic words imitate the sounds they describe, helping listeners imagine them better.
Words like 'sizzle' depict the sound of cooking with their spelling and pronunciation.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Usage
Writers often use onomatopoeic words to make their writing more vivid and engaging.
The story began with a 'whisper' that grew into a 'roar'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Universal
Onomatopoeic words can vary in different languages, as they mimic sounds specific to each language.
In English, a dog's sound is 'bark', but in Spanish, it's 'guau'.
Pro Tip 1/3Sound Imitation
Onomatopoeic words imitate the sounds they describe, helping listeners imagine them better.
Words like 'sizzle' depict the sound of cooking with their spelling and pronunciation.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Usage
Writers often use onomatopoeic words to make their writing more vivid and engaging.
The story began with a 'whisper' that grew into a 'roar'.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Universal
Onomatopoeic words can vary in different languages, as they mimic sounds specific to each language.
In English, a dog's sound is 'bark', but in Spanish, it's 'guau'.
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Quote examples
Monique Roffey
British Writer
Trinidad's language is a fusion of English, African, and French, and so we have our own words and even our own dictionary. Steupse is a common local word, and it's the onomatopoeic word for the sound people make to show disapproval, or to show they are vexed, when they suck their teeth together.
Quote examples
Kate Forsyth
Australian Author
It has always seemed a cruel joke to me that the very word 'stutter' is difficult for many stutterers to pronounce. It is onomatopoeic, an imitation of the halting, repetitive sound made by people with this speech dysfunction.
Quote examples
Monique Roffey
British Writer
Trinidad's language is a fusion of English, African, and French, and so we have our own words and even our own dictionary. Steupse is a common local word, and it's the onomatopoeic word for the sound people make to show disapproval, or to show they are vexed, when they suck their teeth together.
Quote examples
Kate Forsyth
Australian Author
It has always seemed a cruel joke to me that the very word 'stutter' is difficult for many stutterers to pronounce. It is onomatopoeic, an imitation of the halting, repetitive sound made by people with this speech dysfunction.
Example 1 of 2
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