Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words imitate the real sound of the item to which they refer or describe. Onomatopoeia includes the "boom" of a firework bursting, the "tick tock" of a clock, and the "ding dong" of a doorbell. These sounds are imitated by using corresponding words. Many words used to describe music have become onomatopoeic: piano keys clack; violin strings twang; drums roll. Many other words that once described actual objects now only use an image to convey their meaning: smiley face, sad face, fist bump, high-five. And many more reference real sounds: bird song, ocean wave, dog bark, cow moo. Onomatopoeia is often used to create vivid images in readers' minds, like when you say something explodes or bursts into flames. It can also be used to highlight certain events or actions in a story: When Marge bopped Bart on the head with a frying pan, it made such a loud noise that it was like someone fired a gun. When Lucy dropped her spoon, it made such a sharp sound that everyone within earshot stopped what they were doing and looked toward the kitchen doorway.