noun
cacophony
kuh-KO-fuh-nee
Cacophony (noun) means a harsh mixture of loud, clashing sounds. Example: “The kitchen was a cacophony of clattering pans and shouted orders.”
noun
1
A harsh mixture of loud, clashing sounds.
"The kitchen was a cacophony of clattering pans and shouted orders."
"Car horns added to the cacophony of rush hour."
How to use cacophony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn unpleasant jumble of loud, clashing noises.
Common pairings
a cacophony of sound
a cacophony of voices
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Word forms
- Plural
- cacophonies
Fill the gap
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The kitchen was a _____ of clattering pans and shouted orders.
Etymology
From French cacophonie, built from Ancient Greek kakos ("bad") plus phone ("sound") — literally "bad sound."
Related words
Rhymes for cacophony
See all rhymes for cacophony →Frequently asked questions
What does “cacophony” mean?
The word “cacophony” means a harsh mixture of loud, clashing sounds. In plain terms, an unpleasant jumble of loud, clashing noises.
How do you pronounce “cacophony”?
“Cacophony” is pronounced kuh-KO-fuh-nee (/kəˈkɑfəni/ in IPA).
How do you use “cacophony” in a sentence?
Here is “cacophony” used in a sentence: “The kitchen was a cacophony of clattering pans and shouted orders.”
What is the opposite of “cacophony”?
The opposite of “cacophony” — its antonyms — are euphony and harmony.
What part of speech is “cacophony”?
“Cacophony” is a noun.
Where does the word “cacophony” come from?
The word “cacophony” comes from Ancient Greek. From French cacophonie, built from Ancient Greek kakos ("bad") plus phone ("sound") — literally "bad sound.".
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