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?

  1. Meow
  2. Woof
  3. Quack
  4. Buzz
Show Answers
  • Q1: Cat
  • Q2: Dog
  • Q3: Duck
  • Q4: Bee

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