adjective
onomatopoeic
on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-ik
Onomatopoeic (adjective) means describing a word that imitates the sound it names, or relating to such words. Example: “'Buzz' and 'sizzle' are onomatopoeic words.”
adjective
1
Describing a word that imitates the sound it names, or relating to such words.
"'Buzz' and 'sizzle' are onomatopoeic words."
"The poem relies on onomatopoeic language to mimic falling rain."
"Comic books often use big, onomatopoeic sound effects."
Examples of onomatopoeic in a sentence →
How to use onomatopoeic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSounding like the thing it names.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal term, used mostly when discussing language, poetry, and writing.
Memory tip
Say it in six parts, with the stress on 'PEE': on-uh-mat-uh-PEE-ik.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
onomatopoeic word
onomatopoeic sound
onomatopoeic effect
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Fill the gap
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'Buzz' and 'sizzle' are _____ words.
Etymology
The word was formed in English from onomatopoeia plus the suffix -ic.
Synonyms
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echoic
imitative
Related words
Rhymes for onomatopoeic
See all rhymes for onomatopoeic →Frequently asked questions
What does onomatopoeic mean?
It describes something that has to do with onomatopoeia, such as a word that imitates a sound. 'Splash' and 'meow' are examples.
What is an example of an onomatopoeic word?
Words like 'buzz', 'hiss', 'bang', and 'sizzle' are onomatopoeic because their sounds echo what they describe.
Can onomatopoeic be used in a comparison, like more onomatopoeic?
It is listed as not comparable, so careful writers usually avoid 'more onomatopoeic' and simply say a word is or is not onomatopoeic.
What is the meaning of onomatopoeic?
"onomatopoeic" (adjective) means describing a word that imitates the sound it names, or relating to such words.
