20 Onomatopoeic Words in English

If you want to make your English lessons fun and memorable, onomatopoeia is a fantastic tool.

These are words that imitate real sounds — the kind of words you almost hear as you read them.

For both English learners and English teachers, mastering onomatopoeic words adds colour, rhythm, and vividness to your everyday conversations, stories, and classroom activities.

In this article, I want to explore 20 great examples of onomatopoeic words in English.

Each one comes with a simple meaning and an example sentence.

Teachers can use these in ESL lesson plans, writing practice, or even storytelling exercises.

Learners can use them to improve vocabulary and make their English sound more natural.

Why Learn Onomatopoeia?

• Sounds bring language alive — words like buzz or crash instantly paint a picture.

• Easy to remember — students often recall words better when linked to sounds.

• Perfect for writing — onomatopoeia adds life to stories, essays, or even creative tasks.

• Natural speaking skill — using these words makes English learners conversations more authentic and fun.

20 Onomatopoeic Words in English

Here’s our list of powerful onomatopoeic words you can teach or learn today:

Buzz

Buzz – the sound bees make.
Example: The bees buzzed around the flowers.

Bang

Bang – a loud, sudden noise like a gunshot.
Example: We heard a bang outside the door.

Crash

Crash – the sound of something heavy breaking.
Example: The vase fell and crashed to the floor.

Splash

Splash – water hitting a surface.
Example: He jumped into the pool with a big splash.

Tick-Tock

Tick-tock – the sound of a clock.
Example: The tick-tock of the clock kept her awake.

Meow

Meow – the sound a cat makes.
Example: The hungry cat meowed for food.

Woof

Woof – the sound a dog makes.
Example: The dog barked: woof, woof!

Hiss

Hiss – the sound of steam or a snake.
Example: The snake hissed when it was disturbed.

Clap

Clap – the sound of hands hitting together.
Example: The audience clapped loudly after the show.

Thud

Thud – a dull, heavy sound.
Example: He dropped the book and it landed with a thud.

Ring

Ring – the sound of a bell or phone.
Example: The school bell rang at 9 o’clock.

Whisper

Whisper – speaking softly.
Example: They whispered so no one else could hear.

Roar

Roar – the loud sound of a lion or crowd.
Example: The crowd roared when the team scored.

Tickle

Tickle – soft, laughing sound when touched.
Example: The children giggled when he tickled them.

Creak

Creak – a long, squeaky sound of wood or doors.
Example: The old door creaked open slowly.

Zoom

Zoom – a fast movement sound.
Example: The motorbike zoomed past us.

Pop

Pop – the sound of bursting or opening.
Example: She popped the balloon with a pin.

Drip

Drip – the sound of water falling slowly.
Example: The tap kept dripping all night.

Boom

Boom – a deep, loud sound like thunder.
Example: We heard the boom of fireworks in the sky.

Giggle

Giggle – a light, playful laugh.
Example: The students giggled at the funny story.

Teaching Tips for Onomatopoeia

• Drama activity: Ask students to act out each sound.

• Creative writing: Have learners write a short story using 5–10 words from the list.

• Listening practice: Play sound effects and ask learners to guess the onomatopoeic word.

• Games: Use flashcards with the word on one side and the sound/picture on the other.

Conclusion

Onomatopoeia makes English engaging, fun, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re teaching a classroom of ESL students or learning English at home, these 20 onomatopoeic words are a great way to improve your vocabulary and bring your lessons to life.

👉 Teachers: Download a free short story lesson plan on ManWrites.com and see how onomatopoeia and storytelling can transform your teaching.