Onomatopoeia Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌɒnəˌmætəˈpiːə/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A word that phonetically imitates, resembles or suggests the sound that it describes, such as “buzz”, “meow”, or “splash”.

Examples

The onomatopoeia “bang” was used to describe the sound of the firework explosion.
The comic book creator used onomatopoeias like “pow” and “zap” to add visual interest to the fight scenes.

Synonyms

Sound effect
Audio descriptor

Antonyms

Silence
Mute

Additional Information

Onomatopoeias are used in literature and poetry to create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. They can also be used in advertising and marketing to grab attention and create memorable branding. In comics and graphic novels, onomatopoeias are often used to add visual and auditory interest to the narrative.

Onomatopoeias can be classified into different categories, such as animal sounds, natural sounds, and man-made sounds. They can also be used to create mood and atmosphere, and to convey emotions and ideas.

The term “onomatopoeia” comes from the Greek words “onoma”, meaning “name” or “word”, and “poiein”, meaning “to make”. It was first used in the 16th century to describe the phenomenon of words that imitate sounds.

Usage Notes

Onomatopoeias can be used in a variety of contexts, from literature and poetry to advertising and marketing. They can be used to create vivid imagery, to add emphasis, and to convey emotions and ideas.

In written language, onomatopoeias can be used to create a more immersive experience for the reader. In spoken language, they can be used to add emphasis and create a more engaging communication.

Cultural References

Onomatopoeias have been used in popular culture to create memorable characters and scenes. For example, the “Bat-Signal” in the Batman comics and movies is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound of the signal.

In music, onomatopoeias have been used in song titles and lyrics to create catchy and memorable hooks. For example, the song “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas features an onomatopoeic chorus.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Onomatopoeias can be used in idiomatic expressions and phrases to add emphasis and create vivid imagery. For example, the phrase “the big crash” uses the onomatopoeic word “crash” to convey the idea of a loud and sudden impact.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases related to onomatopoeias include “sound effect”, “audio descriptor”, and “phonetic representation”.

Collocations

Onomatopoeias often collocate with words that describe the source of the sound, such as “firework” and “bang”, or “dog” and “woof”.

Frequency of Use

Onomatopoeias are relatively common in written and spoken language, particularly in contexts where vivid imagery and sensory detail are important.