Onomatopoeia
noun /ˌɒn.ə.ˌmæt.əˈpiː.ə/ — A word that imitates the sound it describes
Definition
The formation of a word by imitation of a sound associated with the thing it names — the language trying to become the sound it describes.
Beyond the definition
The place where language tries to close the gap between word and world. Onomatopoeia is the most honest form of naming: say it and you almost hear the thing.
Origin & history
From Greek 'onomatopoeia' — 'onoma' (name) + 'poiein' (to make). The making of names from sounds.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Buzz, crack, hiss, murmur — onomatopoeia makes the word audible.
The poet used onomatopoeia throughout: every sound in the poem sounded like itself.
Onomatopoeia is one of the few places where language admits its own limitation — and transcends it.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Onomatopoeia” when the meaning fits your context: The formation of a word by imitation of a sound associated with the thing it names — the language trying to become the sound it describes.
Synonyms
sound words, echoism
Related words
Onomatopoeia vs alliteration
Onomatopoeia uses words to mimic natural sounds like 'hiss' or 'bang'. Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.
Questions about this word
What does "Onomatopoeia" mean?
Onomatopoeia is noun meaning: A word that imitates the sound it describes. The formation of a word by imitation of a sound associated with the thing it names — the language trying to become the sound it describes.
Where does the word "Onomatopoeia" come from?
From Greek 'onomatopoeia' — 'onoma' (name) + 'poiein' (to make). The making of names from sounds.