Onomatopoeia
Literary term · say it on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-uh
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they describe, such as buzz, splash, or clang. It helps readers hear what is happening, making an action or setting feel more immediate.
Where onomatopoeia shows up
Ringing and clanging
Words can echo the noises of objects, from a light tinkle to a heavy crash. Their sounds can suggest both the object and the feeling it brings.
In The Bells, tinkling sleigh bells give way to other bells, including clanging alarm bells that signal danger.
In The Bells by Edgar Allan Poe
Animal calls
Words can imitate barking, croaking, or other animal sounds. These noises may appear in a description, a song, or a character's speech.
In The Tempest, Ariel's song includes imitations of dogs barking and a rooster crowing as Ferdinand follows the mysterious music.
In The Tempest by William Shakespeare
How to spot onomatopoeia
- Look for words that name a noise.
- Read them aloud and listen for the sound they imitate.
- Notice how those sounds affect the scene's pace or mood.
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What is the difference between onomatopoeia and alliteration?
Onomatopoeia imitates a noise, while alliteration repeats the same starting consonant sound in nearby words. Buzz is onomatopoeia because it resembles an insect's sound. Several nearby words beginning with b can create alliteration without imitating any noise.
Does onomatopoeia have to be an invented word?
Onomatopoeia does not have to be an invented word. Ordinary words such as hiss, crack, and splash count because their sounds resemble the noises they describe. Unusual spellings can also imitate sounds, but familiar dictionary words often do the same job.
Related terms
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