Top 48 Slang For Sound – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing sounds and noises in everyday conversation, sometimes words just don’t cut it. Sound slang is the answer to adding a little extra flair to your descriptions. Whether you’re trying to mimic a cat’s meow or a car’s honk, we’ve got you covered with a list of the most fun and creative sound-related slang terms. Get ready to level up your vocabulary and bring a whole new dimension to your conversations with these quirky expressions!

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1. Bang

This word is often used to describe a sudden, loud noise. It can also be used figuratively to describe a significant event or impact.

For example, “The door slammed shut with a loud bang.”
In a discussion about fireworks, someone might say, “The grand finale was a series of bangs and bursts of color.”
A person describing a car accident might say, “There was a loud bang and then the sound of screeching tires.”

2. Boom

This word is used to describe a loud, deep sound, often associated with an explosion or a thunderstorm. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden increase or success.

For instance, “The fireworks made a booming sound that echoed through the night.”
During a heavy rainstorm, someone might say, “The thunder boomed and shook the whole house.”
A business owner might say, “Our sales have been booming since we launched our new product.”

3. Clang

This word is used to describe a sharp, metallic sound, often produced by striking or colliding metal objects.

For example, “The pots and pans made a loud clang as they fell off the shelf.”
In a discussion about construction, someone might mention, “The workers were using hammers and the clang of metal on metal filled the air.”
A person describing a car accident might say, “There was a loud clang as the two vehicles collided.”

4. Thud

This word is used to describe a dull, heavy sound, often associated with something falling or hitting a surface without a lot of force.

For instance, “The book fell off the shelf with a soft thud.”
In a discussion about a boxing match, someone might say, “He threw a punch that landed with a loud thud.”
A person describing a car accident might say, “There was a thud as the car hit the tree.”

5. Whack

This word is used to describe a sharp, striking sound, often produced by hitting something with force.

For example, “He hit the ball with a loud whack, sending it flying.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might mention, “I gave the garlic cloves a whack with the side of a knife to crush them.”
A person describing a slap might say, “She gave him a hard whack across the face.”

6. Pop

This term is often used to describe the sound made when something small bursts or breaks suddenly.

For example, “I heard a loud pop and then the balloon deflated.”
In a cooking context, one might say, “The popcorn started to pop in the microwave.”
A person might describe the sound of a firecracker as, “It made a loud pop and startled everyone nearby.”

7. Sizzle

This term refers to the sound made when something is being cooked or heated on a hot surface, usually with oil or fat.

For instance, “I heard the bacon sizzle in the pan.”
In a restaurant, a waiter might say, “Listen to the sizzle as I bring your steak to the table.”
A person might describe the sound of rain hitting a hot sidewalk as, “The raindrops sizzle and evaporate instantly.”

8. Hiss

This term is often used to describe the sound made by a snake or a steam engine, but it can also be used to describe a sound made by a person or object.

For example, “The snake hissed as it slithered away.”
In a tense situation, someone might say, “He hissed through clenched teeth.”
A person might describe the sound of a leaking tire as, “It made a loud hiss as the air escaped.”

9. Thump

This term is often used to describe a deep, low-frequency sound made by a heavy object hitting a surface.

For instance, “I heard a loud thump coming from upstairs.”
In a music context, someone might say, “The bass drum gives a satisfying thump.”
A person might describe the sound of a book falling off a shelf as, “It made a soft thump as it hit the ground.”

10. Roar

This term is often used to describe a loud, powerful sound made by an animal or a machine.

For example, “I could hear the lion’s roar from a distance.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “The crowd erupted in a roar when the home team scored.”
A person might describe the sound of a jet engine as, “It made a deafening roar as it took off.”

11. Ding

This word is used to describe a short, high-pitched sound that is similar to the sound of a bell or a small metal object being struck.

For example, “The doorbell made a ding when someone pressed it.”
A user might comment, “I love the sound of a wine glass making a ding when you toast.”
Another might say, “The timer on the microwave makes a ding when your food is ready.”

12. Chirp

This word refers to a short, high-pitched sound that is similar to the sound made by birds when they sing or call to each other.

For instance, “The birds outside my window chirp every morning.”
A person might say, “I love waking up to the chirping of birds in the forest.”
Another might comment, “The sound of crickets chirping at night is so peaceful.”

13. Rumble

This word is used to describe a low, deep sound that is often associated with thunder, engines, or a rumbling stomach.

For example, “We could hear the rumble of thunder in the distance.”
A user might comment, “The sound of a motorcycle rumbling down the street is so cool.”
Another might say, “My stomach started to rumble when I smelled the delicious food.”

14. Creak

This word refers to a high-pitched, squeaky sound that is often associated with old doors, floors, or furniture.

For instance, “The old wooden floorboards creaked with each step.”
A person might say, “I can hear the door creak every time it opens.”
Another might comment, “The chair made a creaking sound when I sat down on it.”

15. Jingle

This word is used to describe a light, tinkling sound that is often associated with small metal objects or bells.

For example, “The keys jingled in my pocket as I walked.”
A user might say, “I love the jingle of a wind chime on a breezy day.”
Another might comment, “The sleigh bells jingled as the horse pulled the carriage.”

16. Screech

Screech is a term used to describe a loud, high-pitched sound that is often unpleasant to the ears.

For example, “The car brakes screeched as it came to a sudden stop.”
In a horror movie, a character might hear a screech in the distance and say, “What was that awful noise?”
A person might imitate the sound of a screech and say, “It sounded like nails on a chalkboard.”

17. Buzz

Buzz refers to a low, continuous humming sound that is often produced by electronic devices or insects.

For instance, “The refrigerator was making a loud buzzing noise.”
In a conversation about bees, someone might say, “Listen to the buzz of the bees as they gather nectar.”
A person might imitate the sound of a buzz and say, “It’s like a constant background noise.”

18. Swish

Swish is a term used to describe a soft, sweeping sound, often associated with the movement of air or liquid.

For example, “The wind made a gentle swishing sound through the trees.”
In a basketball game, someone might say, “He made a swish as the ball went through the net.”
A person might imitate the sound of a swish and say, “It’s like the sound of a broom sweeping the floor.”

19. Crack

Crack refers to a sharp, explosive sound that is often associated with the breaking or splitting of an object.

For instance, “The thunder made a loud crack in the sky.”
In a discussion about firewood, someone might say, “Listen to the crack of the logs as they burn.”
A person might imitate the sound of a crack and say, “It’s like the sound of a whip being snapped.”

20. Boing

Boing is a term used to describe a bouncy, spring-like sound, often associated with the elastic rebound of an object.

For example, “The trampoline made a boing sound as the child jumped on it.”
In a cartoon, a character might jump on a pogo stick and say, “Boing, boing, boing!”
A person might imitate the sound of a boing and say, “It’s like a spring being stretched and released.”

21. Purr

A purr is a low, continuous vibrating sound made by a cat when it is content or relaxed. It is often associated with a happy or satisfied feline.

For example, “My cat loves to curl up on my lap and purr while I pet her.”
A cat owner might say, “Whenever I scratch behind his ears, he starts to purr.”
Someone might comment, “There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of a cat’s purr.”

22. Gurgling

Gurgling refers to a bubbling or liquid sound, often produced by fluids moving through a narrow passage or by the movement of air or water.

For instance, “I could hear the gurgling of water as it flowed through the pipes.”
A person might say, “My stomach is gurgling; I must be hungry.”
Someone might describe a stream, saying, “The water rushed over the rocks, creating a gentle gurgling sound.”

23. Rustle

A rustle is a soft, gentle sound made by the movement of leaves, paper, or other lightweight materials. It is often associated with a slight or delicate movement.

For example, “The wind rustled the leaves of the trees.”
A person might say, “I could hear the rustle of pages as she turned them in her book.”
Someone might comment, “I love the sound of autumn leaves rustling under my feet.”

24. Squelch

Squelch refers to a wet, squishing sound, often produced by something being compressed or squeezed, or by the movement of liquid or soft material.

For instance, “I stepped in a puddle and heard a squelch as my foot sank into the mud.”
A person might say, “I could hear the squelch of the sponge as she squeezed out the water.”
Someone might describe the sound of walking in wet shoes, saying, “With each step, I could hear a squelch as water squished out.”

25. Toot

Toot is a short, sharp sound made by a horn or whistle. It is often associated with signaling or alerting others.

For example, “The train let out a loud toot as it approached the station.”
A person might say, “I heard a toot outside and knew the ice cream truck was coming.”
Someone might comment, “I love the sound of a saxophone’s toot in jazz music.”

26. Whistle

– For example, “The referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the game.”

A person might say, “I heard a whistle and turned around to see a train approaching.”
In a conversation about bird sounds, someone might ask, “What kind of bird makes that beautiful whistle?”

27. Squeak

– For instance, “The door hinges squeak every time it’s opened.”

If a person is wearing new shoes, they might say, “Listen to my shoes squeak on the floor.”
In a discussion about a faulty bike, someone might complain, “The brakes squeak every time I use them.”

28. Clatter

– For example, “The dishes in the sink clattered as I dropped a spoon.”

If a group of children is playing with toys, someone might say, “Listen to the clatter of all those building blocks.”
In a conversation about construction work, a person might comment, “The hammer’s clatter echoed throughout the building site.”

29. Click

– For instance, “I heard the click of the lock as I closed the door.”

If a person is using a pen, they might say, “Listen to the click every time I press the button.”
In a discussion about photography, someone might mention, “The camera makes a satisfying click when I take a photo.”

30. Hoot

– For example, “The owl hooted in the night.”

If a person finds something funny, they might say, “That joke really made me hoot with laughter.”
In a conversation about a comedy show, someone might comment, “The audience’s hoots of laughter could be heard throughout the theater.”

31. Zap

The term “zap” is often used to describe the sound or sensation of an electric shock. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden and intense action or event.

For example, “I accidentally touched the live wire and felt a zap.”
In a comic book, a character might say, “Zap! Pow! Take that, villain!”
Someone might exclaim, “I just got a zap of inspiration for a new project!”

32. Snore

Snore is a term used to describe the sound made when someone is sleeping and breathing in a way that causes the soft tissue in their throat to vibrate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something boring or uninteresting.

For instance, “My roommate snores so loudly that I can’t sleep.”
In a conversation about a boring lecture, someone might say, “I fell asleep listening to that snore-fest.”
A person might complain, “I can’t concentrate with all the snoring in the background!”

33. Honk

Honk is a term used to describe the sound made by a car horn. It can also be used to describe a loud and abrupt noise made by any type of horn.

For example, “The driver behind me honked when I didn’t move at the green light.”
In a discussion about annoying noises, someone might say, “I can’t stand the honking of car horns in traffic.”
A person might exclaim, “Honk if you love pizza!” in a playful way.

34. Ring

Ring is a term used to describe the sound made by a phone or doorbell when it is calling or being rung. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sound that is similar to a ring or a sound that is continuous and repetitive.

For instance, “I heard the phone ring and rushed to answer it.”
In a conversation about a catchy song, someone might say, “That chorus really rings in my head.”
A person might comment, “The sound of wedding bells ringing always makes me emotional.”

35. Scream

Scream is a term used to describe a loud and high-pitched cry or shout. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a loud and intense sound or a sudden burst of emotion.

For example, “I heard a scream and ran towards the sound to see if someone needed help.”
In a discussion about horror movies, someone might say, “The scream of the victim always sends chills down my spine.”
A person might exclaim, “I screamed with joy when I won the lottery!”

36. Snap

A snap is a short, sharp sound that is made by quickly bringing two objects together or by breaking something quickly and forcefully.

For example, “I heard a snap when I broke the pencil in half.”
In a conversation about photography, someone might say, “I love the sound of the camera’s shutter snap.”
A person might use the term in a figurative sense, saying, “He snapped his fingers to get everyone’s attention.”

37. Groan

A groan is a deep, low sound that is made when someone is in pain, discomfort, or disappointment.

For instance, “He let out a groan when he realized he had forgotten his wallet.”
In a movie review, someone might write, “The audience let out a collective groan at the predictable ending.”
A person might use the term to describe their own reaction, saying, “I couldn’t help but groan when I saw the long line at the grocery store.”

38. Chime

A chime is a musical sound made by a bell or a similar instrument, often used to indicate the time or to create a pleasant atmosphere.

For example, “The chimes from the clock tower could be heard throughout the town.”
In a discussion about wind chimes, someone might say, “I love the peaceful sound of chimes on a breezy day.”
A person might use the term metaphorically, saying, “Her laughter was like the chime of bells.”

39. Ping

A ping is a high-pitched, metallic sound that is often produced by striking or vibrating a metal object.

For instance, “The sound of a ping echoed through the room when the ball hit the metal pipe.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might say, “I heard a ping from my phone, indicating a new message.”
A person might use the term metaphorically, saying, “His words hit me like a ping, making me realize the truth.”

40. Rasp

A rasp is a harsh, grating sound that is often produced by rubbing two rough surfaces together or by a rough voice.

For example, “The sound of a rasp filled the room as the knife scraped against the metal.”
In a discussion about singing, someone might say, “She has a unique rasp in her voice that adds character.”
A person might use the term metaphorically, saying, “His words had a rasp to them, conveying his frustration.”

41. Crackle

Crackle refers to a series of short, sharp, and popping sounds. It is often associated with the sound of static electricity or something that is not functioning properly.

For example, “I can’t hear the music clearly because of the crackle in the speakers.”
When a person is experiencing a poor phone connection, they might say, “Sorry, I can’t hear you clearly. There’s a lot of crackle.”
A user might comment on a video, “The audio quality is great, but there’s a bit of crackle in the background noise.”

42. Jangle

Jangle refers to a harsh, metallic sound that is often produced by objects hitting each other or by the clash of discordant sounds.

For instance, “The keys jangled in his pocket as he walked.”
When someone is wearing a lot of jewelry that makes noise, you might say, “You can hear her jangle from a mile away.”
A person might describe a music performance as, “The band had a unique sound with their jangle of guitars.”

43. Murmur

A murmur is a soft or low sound that is often indistinct and difficult to hear clearly. It can also refer to a low, continuous background noise.

For example, “The wind whispered with a gentle murmur.”
When a group of people are talking quietly, you might say, “There’s a murmur of conversation in the room.”
A person might describe the sound of a flowing stream as a “peaceful murmur.”

44. Patter

Patter refers to a light, rapid tapping or pattering sound, often made by raindrops or small objects hitting a surface.

For instance, “The rain pattered against the window.”
When someone is running quickly, you might say, “I could hear the patter of their footsteps.”
A person might describe the sound of a squirrel running across a roof as a “soft patter.”

45. Scrape

Scrape refers to a harsh, scraping sound that is often produced by objects rubbing against each other or against a surface.

For example, “The chair made a loud scrape as it was dragged across the floor.”
When someone is trying to remove something sticky with a utensil, you might say, “Use a spatula to scrape off the residue.”
A person might describe the sound of a car’s brakes as a “sharp scrape.”

46. Swirl

The term “swirl” is used to describe the movement of something in a twisting or circular motion, typically creating a soft or gentle sound.

For example, “The wind made the leaves swirl around in the air.”
In a description of a painting, one might say, “The brushstrokes create a beautiful swirl of colors.”
A person might comment on a song, saying, “I love how the different instruments swirl together in this track.”

47. Tootle

The word “tootle” is often used to describe playing a simple or light tune on a musical instrument, particularly a wind instrument.

For instance, “He likes to tootle on his flute in his free time.”
In a discussion about music, one might say, “The trumpet player added a playful tootle to the song.”
A person might comment on a street performer, saying, “I stopped to listen to the saxophonist tootle a catchy melody.”

48. Whump

The term “whump” refers to a heavy or muffled sound, typically produced by something falling or hitting with force.

For example, “The tree branch fell to the ground with a loud whump.”
In a description of a car accident, one might say, “The two vehicles collided with a resounding whump.”
A person might comment on a movie scene, saying, “The sound effects team did a great job capturing the whump of the explosion.”