Sound words in English

Here is a list of words used to express sounds made by various birds and animals.

Buzz

To buzz is to make a low, continuous humming sound. This is the kind of sound that bees make.

Different forms of this word: buzz / buzzed / buzzing

A buzzword is a technical word or phrase that has suddenly become fashionable.

Chirp

To chirp is to make a short, high pitched sound. This is the kind of sound that small birds make.

Different forms of this word: chirp / chirped / chirping

Coo

To coo is to make a soft, murmuring sound. This is the sound that pigeons and doves make.

Different forms of this word: coo, coos, cooing, cooed

Squawk

To squawk is to make a loud, harsh noise.

Different forms: squawk, squawks, squawked, squawking

Squeak

A squeak is a short, high pitched sound or cry.

Different forms: squeak, squeaks, squeaking, squeaked

Murmur

To murmur is to say something in a low voice.

Different forms: murmur, murmurs, murmured, murmuring

Grunt

To grunt is to make a low, short sound. This word is mainly used to indicate sounds made by animals.

Neigh

To neigh is to make a high pitched cry. This is the sound that horses make.

Squeal

A squeal is a long, high pitched cry.

Groan

A groan is a deep sound of pain.

Exercise

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate sound word.

1. The ………………….. of the pigeons woke me up in the morning.

2. When I woke up in the morning, the sun was shining and the birds were …………………

3. Pigs ………………… and horses ………………

4. The girl …………………. something in her friend’s ear.

5. The parrot flew off the branch with a ……………………

6. The mice ………………… from the basement.

7. The hen …………………… when the farmer took her eggs.

8. The dog …………………. when I stepped on its tail.

9. The patient ………………… as he was lifted from the bed.

10. The hinges of the window …………………. when we opened it.

Answers

1. The cooing of the pigeons woke me up in the morning.

2. When I woke up in the morning, the sun was shining and the birds were chirping.

3. Pigs grunt and horses neigh.

4. The girl murmured something in her friend’s ear.

5. The parrot flew off the branch with a squawk.

6. The mice squeaked from the basement.

7. The hen squawked when the farmer took her eggs.

8. The dog squealed when I stepped on its tail.

9. The patient groaned as he was lifted from the bed.

10. The hinges of the window squeaked when we opened it.