Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a big word for a fun idea. It means a word that sounds like what it describes. 'Moo,' 'buzz,' and 'crash' are all examples. These words help us hear the sound in our minds as we read.

Where We Hear Them

Comic books are full of onomatopoeia, like 'POW' and 'ZAP.' Poems use these words to make the writing come alive. Animals make sounds like 'woof' or 'meow' that are onomatopoeia. Even cereal boxes say 'snap, crackle, pop.'

An old drawing showing the sounds hens and chicks make.
An old drawing showing the sounds hens and chicks make. (Athanasius Kircher (1602 - 1680) / Wikimedia Commons)

Sounds Around the World

Different languages use different sound words. In English, a dog says 'woof,' but in Spanish, it says 'guau.' A rooster says 'cock-a-doodle-doo' in English but 'kikeriki' in German. Every language hears sounds in its own special way.

Fun Facts

  • The word 'onomatopoeia' comes from Greek and means 'name making.'
  • Bees buzz, ducks quack, and clocks tick—these are all onomatopoeia.
  • Japanese has thousands of onomatopoeia words, more than most languages.

Did You Know?

Writers use onomatopoeia to help readers feel like they are really inside the story.