- Definition
Onomatopoeia is when a word sounds like the noise it describes, like "buzz" for a bee or "splash" for water.
In the sentence 'The bee went buzz,' the word 'buzz' is onomatopoeia because it sounds like the noise a bee makes.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds just like the noise it's describing, like a toy train going 'choo-choo'.
Ask your child: What sound does popcorn make when it cooks?
Common mix-up: Kids may think these are just fun noises we make. Onomatopoeia is when authors use these sound words in their writing to help you hear the story.
Examples
- The car went 'vroom' down the street.
- Listen to the 'pitter-patter' of the rain on the roof.
onomatopoeia is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
