1. Author’s Craft and Structure Unit
Onomatopoeia
Author’s Craft and Structure Unit

2. Onomatopoeia
the use of “words” in writing that represent sounds in real life.
comes from Greek words that mean “name” and “I make”. These words have no other meaning than their name, or the sound they make.
WHY USE IT: enhances sound imagery. You can imagine being there because you “hear” it.
There are 5 general categories of onomatopoeia.

3. Words Related to water
Bloop
Splish-splash
Drip
Drizzle
Plop
Sprinkle

4. Words related to air Flutter Woosh Gasp Wisp Swoosh Swish Wizz Whip
Whisper

5. Words related to the voice
Giggle
Growl
Grunt
Gurgle
Mumble
Murmur
Bawl
Belch
Chatter

6. Words related to collisions
Also: clang, clank, clap, click, ding, jingle, screech, thud

7. Words related to animal noises
Also: growl, howl, chirp, croak, etc.

8. Important note/Miscellaneous
We think of onomatopoeia as made-up words or noise sounds. However, there are many actual words that represent onomatopoeia, as well. Any word that is or suggests a sound counts.
Clatter
Rustle
Tap
Click
Crunch
Rattle
Some examples of onomatopoeia don’t fit in the 5 categories, like tick-tock. They’re considered miscellaneous examples.