Onomatopoeia Definition & Examples
What is onomatopoeia? Onomatopoeia is when a word sounds like the noise it describes. Writers use onomatopoeia to make writing more lively and fun!
Onomatopoeia words are everywhere—in comics, poems, and stories!
Onomatopoeia Examples
1.Buzz
Sound: The sound a bee makes.
Example: The bees buzz in the garden.
2.Bang
Sound: A loud, sudden noise.
Example: The door closed with a bang.
3.Splash
Sound: The sound of something hitting water.
Example: She jumped into the pool with a splash.
4.Meow
Sound: The sound a cat makes.
Example: The cat says meow when it's hungry.
5.Woof
Sound: The sound a dog makes.
Example: The dog barked, 'woof woof!'
6.Tick-tock
Sound: The sound of a clock.
Example: The clock goes tick-tock all night.
7.Chirp
Sound: The sound a bird makes.
Example: The birds chirp in the morning.
8.Crash
Sound: A loud breaking noise.
Example: The vase fell with a crash.
9.Hiss
Sound: The sound a snake makes.
Example: The snake hissed at the mouse.
10.Boom
Sound: A deep, loud sound.
Example: We heard a boom during the thunderstorm.
11.Quack
Sound: The sound a duck makes.
Example: The duck says quack at the pond.
12.Creak
Sound: A long, squeaky sound.
Example: The old door creaked open.
13.Pop
Sound: A short, sharp sound.
Example: The balloon went pop!
14.Sizzle
Sound: The sound of something frying.
Example: The bacon sizzled in the pan.
15.Drip
Sound: The sound of water falling drop by drop.
Example: The faucet goes drip, drip, drip.
Tips for Spotting Onomatopoeia
- Listen for words that sound like the noise they describe.
- Onomatopoeia is common in comics, poems, and animal stories.
- Words like "buzz," "meow," and "pop" are classic examples.
- Onomatopoeia makes writing more fun and helps readers imagine sounds.
Quiz: What Makes This Sound?
Can you match the word to the animal or thing that makes the sound?
- Meow
- Woof
- Quack
- Buzz
Show Answers
- Q1: Cat
- Q2: Dog
- Q3: Duck
- Q4: Bee
More Resources
- Learn about alliteration, assonance, metaphors, similes, and figurative language for more creative writing ideas.
- Try writing your own sound words in a story or comic.
- Read poems and stories to spot onomatopoeia.