Onomatopoeia Quiz
1 / 15Which words sound like what they describe?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
Which of these words is an onomatopoeia for the sound a cat makes?
About Onomatopoeia Quiz
Give your memory a workout with Onomatopoeia Quiz: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions, free to play right in your browser. Which words sound like what they describe? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. Which of these words is an onomatopoeia for the sound a cat makes?
Answer: Meow
'Meow' is an onomatopoeia that imitates the sound a cat makes. Interestingly, different languages have different versions — in Japanese it's 'nyan' and in Arabic it's 'miau.'
2. Which word imitates the sound of a small bell?
Answer: Jingle
'Jingle' imitates the light, ringing sound made by small bells or metal objects. Think of the phrase 'jingle bells' — the word sounds just like what it describes.
3. Which onomatopoeia describes the sound of a heavy object hitting the ground?
Answer: Thud
'Thud' is an onomatopoeia for a dull, heavy sound, like a large object falling to the ground. The word itself sounds heavy and blunt when spoken aloud.
4. Which word imitates the sound of water boiling?
Answer: Bubble
'Bubble' imitates the gurgling, popping sound that water makes when it boils. The repeated 'b' sounds mimic the formation and bursting of bubbles.
5. Which word is an onomatopoeia for the sound of clapping hands?
Answer: Clap
'Clap' is an onomatopoeia that imitates the sharp sound made when two flat surfaces (like hands) strike together. The short, abrupt sound of the word mirrors the action.
Things you'll learn along the way
- 'Sizzle' imitates the continuous hissing sound that food makes when it is frying in hot oil or fat. The 'zz' sound in the word mimics the frying noise.
- 'Whoosh' imitates the rushing sound made by something moving quickly through the air. The elongated 'oosh' sound captures the sensation of swift movement.
- 'Hiss' imitates the sharp sibilant sound a snake makes. The extended 'ss' sound in the word directly mimics the snake's vocalization.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Onomatopoeia Quiz fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Onomatopoeia Quiz?
Onomatopoeia Quiz has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Onomatopoeia Quiz free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Onomatopoeia Quiz — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Onomatopoeia Quiz take?
Most players finish Onomatopoeia Quiz in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
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