onomatop

The word "boom" is an example of an onomatopoeia.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Onomatopoeic word: "onomatop" is a shortened, less common form of "onomatopoeia" or "onomatope," referring to a word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes (e.g., "buzz," "hiss," "boom").

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The word "cuckoo" is a classic onomatop, as it mimics the bird's call. (A word that sounds like the thing it represents.)
  • In poetry, an onomatop can create a vivid auditory effect for the reader. (A sound-imitative word used for literary impact.)

Advanced Usage

• "to coin an onomatop": to invent a new word that imitates a sound.
  • The comic book writer coined an onomatop like "zap" for the superhero's laser. (Created a sound-imitative word for a fictional effect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Onomatopoeia (n): the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., "splash," "murmur").

  • Onomatopoeia is common in children's literature. (The literary device of sound imitation.)

• Onomatopoeic (adj): relating to or characteristic of onomatopoeia.

  • The word "bang" is onomatopoeic. (It imitates a loud noise.)

• Onomatope (n): an alternative spelling of "onomatop," meaning the same thing.

  • "Meow" is an onomatope for a cat's sound. (A sound-imitative word.)

Synonyms

• Sound word: a word that represents a sound.
• Echoic word: a word that echoes or mimics a natural sound.
• Imitative word: a word formed by imitation of a sound.

Related Idioms