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Literature vocabulary · Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

Onomatopoeia

Meaning in literature, with examples

nounCommon term

In literature, onomatopoeia means: Words whose sounds imitate the noises they describe.

In Turkish: yansıma, ses taklidi

How it is used

Use for sound-imitating words such as hiss or buzz; read them aloud in context.

Example sentences

  1. The onomatopoeia of 'buzz' brings the trapped insect into the quiet bedroom.

    The word imitates the noise that interrupts the room's silence.

  2. The translator chose a different onomatopoeia to make the dripping tap sound natural in Turkish.

    Sound imitation may require different words in different languages.

Common collocations

  • use onomatopoeia
  • onomatopoeia in poetry
  • imageryDescriptive language that appeals to the senses, such as sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, so that readers can picture or feel what is described.
  • figure of speechA use of words in a non-literal or unusual way to create a special effect or meaning, such as a metaphor, simile, hyperbole or personification.

More terms: Literary Devices and Figures of Speech

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