Definition & Meaning of "onomatopoeia"

What is "onomatopoeia"?

Onomatopoeia is a literary device where a word imitates or suggests the sound it describes. It creates a vivid auditory effect by using words that sound like the noises they represent. For example, words like "buzz," "clang," and "sizzle" mimic the sounds associated with them. Onomatopoeia adds a sensory dimension to writing, making descriptions more engaging and realistic by allowing readers to "hear" the sounds in their imagination.