Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is a sound method used in poetry to convey the actual sound of something. The poet creates a term to mimic the sound of the thing in the poem. Onomatopoeias can be used to describe sounds that cannot be represented in written form (such as firecrackers or music). Onomatopoeias are often used in poems, stories, and songs. Some examples of onomatopoeias in use include: clang for a metal door; buzz for a fan; hiss for poison; ping for a ball thrown at a wall; pop for champagne; sizzle for food cooking on an open stove; tap for water flowing from a fountain; and whoosh for wind. Onomatopoeias were first used by ancient poets. Some examples include Homer, Virgil, and Dante. In modern usage, onomatopoeias are commonly used by comedians to make their speeches more interesting. Some famous uses include "Ahhh," "Boo!" "Bzzz," and "Woof!" Comedians also use onomatopoeias when they want to show how something sounds without using written words.