noun

• The partial representation of the sense of a word by its sound, as in bang, fizz, and slide.

  See also onomatopoeia

  ‘Etymologists are very aware of the part played by onomatopoeia and sound symbolism in creating new words.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Thus, the sound of words may be directly onomatopoeic or may give a less overt effect of sound symbolism.’
  • ‘This research forms part of renewed research into the role that sound symbolism plays in language evolution.’
  • ‘Often use of such words of sound symbolism signal your competence in your target language.’
  • ‘The area of sound symbolism and onomatopoeia is an interesting area for studying the production and interpretation of neologisms in language.’