Onomatopoeia

Definition

Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words imitate or suggest the sounds they describe. It adds vividness and sensory appeal to writing, allowing readers to hear what they are reading.

Related terms

Alliteration:

Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. It creates rhythm, musicality, and emphasis within a sentence or phrase.

Imagery:

Imagery refers to descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell). Onomatopoeia is one way writers use imagery to bring their words to life.

Figurative Language:

Figurative language includes various literary devices such as similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole. Onomatopoeia falls under this category as it uses words symbolically to represent sounds.