Learn English vocabulary to describe sounds. This advanced vocabulary will be extremely helpful. We’ll focus on words for describing sounds and noises in English.
Instead of just saying ‘bang,’ you’ll discover how to precisely express yourself in English. We’ll cover words that you can use to describe various sounds, accompanied by plenty of examples.
Expand your vocabulary and gain confidence in speaking and writing in English.
Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry. englishclass101
list of vocabulary words
English Vocabulary To Describe Sounds
Harry
This vocabulary will make it easier for you to express different types of sounds and noises, especially in your written English. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re preparing for proficiency exams, providing you with a variety of words to use when describing noises or sounds.
Throughout this lesson, I’ll provide examples to illustrate each word. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me using the provided details, and I can offer more information if needed.
We have 9 specific words related to sound and another 4 related to noises.
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buzzing
Meaning: a continuous, vibrating sound, like a bee or an electrical device
Examples:
The meadow was alive with the buzzing sounds of bees and other insects as they went about their busy work.
The buzzing in my ear was so loud that I couldn’t concentrate on anything.
The fridge in the kitchen was making a constant buzzing sound, which could be heard throughout the house.
crashing
Meaning: a loud and sudden noise, often with a sound of impact or collision
Examples:
A sudden crashing sound made everyone jump as the tray slipped from the waiter’s hands.
The crashing thunder scared the little dog.
A crashing sound filled the air as the waves slammed against the rocks.
creaking
Meaning: a high-pitched, groaning noise made by wood, doors, or floorboards when they move
Examples:
The constant creaking of doors always sent shivers down the character’s spine.
In the old house, the floorboards made creaking sounds, as if whispering secrets from the past.
English Vocabulary To Describe Sounds
distant
Meaning: sounds that are far away or not close to where you are
Examples:
In the quiet countryside, a distant sound of thunder rolled in, warning of an incoming storm.
The distant sounds of car horns could be heard as traffic built up on the busy road.
distinctive
Meaning: a sound that is special or unique, making it easy to recognise or different from other sounds
Examples:
The distinctive sound of a flute made the music stand out in the concert.
The seagulls were making distinctive sounds as they looked for food.
I heard the distinctive sound of a train passing by in the distance.
faint
Meaning: a soft sound that is very quiet, weak, or not easy to hear
Examples:
I’m sure I could hear the faint sound of a baby crying in the distance.
I’m sure I heard the distant sound of a dog howling.
I could barely hear the music playing in the next room. It was very faint.
shrill (noun)
Meaning: a high-pitched, sharp sound causing discomfort
Examples:
The baby’s shrill cry woke everyone in the house.
The alarm clock’s shrill noise startled me awake.
hushed
Meaning: quiet and soft, often in low tones to avoid noise
Examples:
People spoke in hushed tones at the library.
The room fell hushed as the magician prepared.
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muffled
Meaning: a sound that is not clear or loud because it’s being blocked or covered by something
Examples:
I could hear a muffled conversation from our neighbours through the thick wall.
I heard a muffled voice from behind the closed door.
rumbling
Meaning: a deep and low sound, often continuous, like the noise a distant thunderstorm or a moving train makes
Examples:
The rumbling thunder and sharp flashes of lightning created a sense of a coming storm.
It’s nice to hear the rumbling sound of thunder when you’re lying in bed at night.
The rumbling sound of a lorry passing by shook the house.
rustling
Meaning: a soft, light sound that comes from things like leaves, paper, or fabric moving or being disturbed
Examples:
During autumn, the leaves make a rustling sound.
The rustling sound of leaves filled the air as Lucy ran through the park.
Nice to listen to the leaves’ rustling sound on a windy day.
grating
Meaning: harsh, unpleasant sound causing annoyance
Examples:
The metal chair scraping was grating on my nerves.
Her grating voice emerged when she was angry.
squeaky
Meaning: high-pitched sound from friction or rubbing
Examples:
The old door hinges were so squeaky they needed oiling.
The squeaky bicycle wheel echoed down the street.
English Vocabulary To Describe Sounds
mellow
Meaning: smooth, soothing sound associated with relaxation
Examples:
Mellow music in the café created a relaxing ambience.
Her mellow voice suited bedtime stories.
raspy
Meaning: rough, hoarse sound from irritation or strain
Examples:
Shouting made his voice raspy; he drank water.
The singer’s raspy voice added grit to the song.
sluggish
Meaning: a sound that is slow and lacks energy, often giving a sense of laziness or lack of activity
Examples:
The sluggish hum of the old refrigerator indicated that it might need some maintenance.
As the batteries ran low, the toy’s music became sluggish, playing at a much slower pace than usual.
sporadic
Meaning: irregular, scattered sound occurrences
Examples:
Sporadic bursts of laughter came from the other room.
Rain was sporadic, with short heavy showers and sunshine.
English Vocabulary To Describe Sounds
banging
Meaning: a loud and sharp noise that happens when something hits or strikes against another object with force
Examples:
The door shut with a loud banging noise as the wind rattled the windows.
The banging noise was really annoying, and I struggled to focus.
A banging noise came from the kitchen as someone opened the cupboard.
A banging noise filled the classroom when a student accidentally dropped the desk lid.
constant
Meaning: a sound that continues without stopping or changing
Examples:
The constant noise of birds singing in the morning is pleasant in spring and summer.
The constant hum of traffic could be heard from the apartment window.
excessive
Meaning: a noise that is more than what is considered normal or reasonable
Examples:
The excessive noise from the construction site made it difficult to relax.
The residents complained about the excessive noise from the party next door.
Please be mindful of your neighbours and avoid making excessive noise.
incessant
Meaning: a noise that doesn’t stop and continues without pause, often in a repetitive manner
Examples:
I had to listen to the incessant ranting and raving of my boss. He went on forever.
The baby’s incessant screaming filled the room with noise.
So this is our vocabulary to describe sounds and noises in English. Practice them and use them, especially in your written English for exams like IELTS, TOEFL or the Cambridge exams.
If you need to get in touch with me, feel free to do so at englishlessonviaskype.com
Thanks for watching and listening. Join me again soon.
speak better English with Harry podcast- episode 523
more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Common pronunciation mistakes in English
English Expressions about Success
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
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