17 Onomatopoeia Words to Use in Your Fiction ...

17 Onomatopoeia Words to Use in Your Fiction ...
By Holly • Jun 30, 2025

It can be hard to describe certain sounds when you're writing. After all, in order to make your story as realistic as possible, you need to use the right wording. Of course, there are so many choices out there that you'll be able to find one that fits the situation. The next time you're in need of a word to describe a particular sound, try using one of these:

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1. Glug


This is "the sound of liquid pouring from a bottle." It's the sound you'd hear when someone is drinking a lot at once, or when someone is pouring a liquid into a cup.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

2. Thump


This is "to hit or beat something and make a loud, deep sound." You could also hear something thump against the ground.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

3. Clang


This is "to make the loud, ringing sound of metal hitting against something." It's what you'd hear when you hit a plate.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

4. Screech

This is "a loud, harsh, piercing cry." It's a noise that you'd typically hear an owl make.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

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5. Cackle


This is "to make loud, unpleasant sounds." You've probably heard a witch's laugh described as a cackle, because it's meant to sound terrifying.

***

Onomatopoeia is a literary device that is used to create sound effects in writing. It is often used to create a more vivid and realistic effect in stories, poems, and other forms of writing. Cackle is a commonly used onomatopoeia word to create a sound of a witch's laugh. It is often used to create a creepy atmosphere in horror stories or to add a humorous element to a story. It is also used in everyday language to describe a person's laugh that is loud and often unpleasant.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

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6. Guffaw


This is "a loud or boisterous burst of laughter." Most writers use the word to describe a slob's laughter.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

7. Croak

This is "to make the deep, harsh sound that a frog makes." Of course, humans can make a similar sound as well.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

8. Gurgle

This is "to flow in a broken irregular current with a bubbling sound." You've probably heard a baby's voice described as gurgling.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

9. Rattle


This is "to make or emit a quick succession of short percussive sounds." How do you think that a rattle snack got its name?

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

10. Jingle

This is "to make a light ringing sound." You've probably heard the change or keys in your pocket jingle before.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

11. Patter

This is "a quick succession of light soft tapping sounds." Imagine what it would sound like to hear Santa's reindeer stepping on your roof.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

12. Whiz

This is "to move quickly through the air with a whistling or whooshing sound." You might have heard of a bullet or a frisbee whizzing through the air.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

13. Sizzle

This is "to make a hissing sound like the sound water makes when it hits hot metal." It's what you usually hear when you're cooking on the stove.

***

The crackling and popping as you slide a juicy patty onto the grill, or the splatter of chopped vegetables dancing in a hot oiled pan, "sizzle" captures that very essence. It's the sound of flavor coming alive, the auditory cue that something delicious is under way. Whether it's bacon crisping to a perfect golden hue or onions caramelizing in a skillet, "sizzle" entices the senses, promising a savory delight. In your stories, use it to evoke the warmth and comfort of the kitchen, making readers almost smell the aromas wafting from the page.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

14. Chatter

This is "a series of quick high-pitched sounds." You might describe a bird's chirping by using this word.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

15. Chitter

This is "a twittering or chattering sound." It's similar to the previous word, which is why it's commonly used to describe the way a bird sounds.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

16. Swish

This is "to move with a hissing or whistling sound." You might say that your jacket swished as you moved.

  • Oh, I love this one! You know, a witch's laugh can be really fun to describe. I usually go with 'cackle' because it gives off that eerie vibe you want. It just sounds witchy, don't you think?

  • Great question! 'Pour' isn't exactly an onomatopoeia. It doesn't mimic the sound but rather describes the action. But hey, using words like 'gush' or 'glug' really gives that pouring effect in text!

  • Oh, that's a nice one! I always picture 'glug', or 'splash' if it's a bit messy. It’s all about capturing that smooth or sometimes chaotic sound of water!

  • Absolutely! 'Cackle' is perfect for a wicked or mischievous type of laugh. It instantly brings to mind witches or villains in stories, don't you think?

  • That's so interesting! I like using 'ha-ha' or even 'hee-hee'. You know, it depends on the mood of the character. 'Snicker' works if they are being sneaky!

17. Knell

This is "the sound of a bell." That's a pretty clearcut definition, don't you think?

There are hundreds of words in the English language. As long as you pick up a dictionary or a thesaurus, you won't struggle to find a way to explain what needs to be said. There's always a way to phrase it! What's your favorite word that can be used to describe a sound?

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