Key takeaways
- Onomatopoeia are words that sound like what they describe: woof, beep, splash, pop.
- Sound words are often easier for young children to notice and say than ordinary words.
- Using them in play, with a lively voice and lots of repetition, gives your child more chances to join in.
- Pair the sound word with the real word: “Dog. Woof woof!”
- If your child isn’t babbling, copying sounds or using words when you’d expect, talk to a speech pathologist.
Onomatopoeia is a very big word with a simple meaning. It’s a word that sounds like the thing it describes: “boom”, “honk”, “beep”, “woof”. Many toddlers say words like these before they say “dog” or “car”, and they’re a fun, easy way to build language at home.
What is onomatopoeia?
Onomatopoeia (on-oh-mat-oh-PEE-ah) are sound words. They copy a noise:
- animal sounds: moo, baa, quack, roar
- vehicle sounds: beep beep, choo choo, vroom
- everyday sounds: splash, pop, knock knock, ding dong
- action sounds: whee, boing, crash, uh-oh
Why do sound words help children learn to talk?
- They’re easy to notice. In one study, babies aged 10 to 11 months matched sound words (like “woof woof”) to pictures more easily than ordinary names for the same things (like “doggy”).
- They’re easy to say. Many use simple, repeated sounds, such as “moo” or “beep beep”.
- They’re fun. Adults tend to change their pitch and tone when they make sound effects, which grabs a child’s attention and keeps them engaged.
- They link sound to meaning. Hearing “woof” every time you see a dog helps your child connect a word with something real.
Three simple tips
- Use sound words throughout the day. At the park, in the bath, at mealtimes and during play.
- Repeat them. Say the sound word a few times, then pause and give your child a turn. Repetition helps children learn.
- Make your voice interesting. Change your pitch, slow down, stretch out the sound. A “weeeee” that slides from high to low as your child comes down the slide is hard to resist.
Always pair the sound word with the real word, so your child learns both: “Car. Beep beep!” or “Look, a cow. Moo!”
Sound words to try at home
| Where | Try saying |
|---|---|
| At the park | “Dog, woof woof!” · “Car, vroom vroom!” or “honk honk” · “Weeeee!” down the slide |
| Playing with toys | “Boom, boom, boom” on a drum · “Roar” for a lion, “meow” for a cat, “snap snap” for a crocodile · “Ring ring, it’s for you!” on a toy phone |
| Art and craft | “Poke, poke, poke” into playdough · “Dot, dot, dot” when painting spots · “Whoosh” for long brush strokes |
| Everyday routines | “Splash!” in the bath · “Knock knock” at the door · “Uh-oh” when something drops · “Pop!” for bubbles |
When to seek support
Every child learns to talk at their own pace. Talk to a speech pathologist if your child:
- isn’t babbling or copying sounds by around 12 months
- isn’t using any words by around 18 months
- has fewer words than you’d expect, or isn’t putting two words together by age 2
- seems to understand less than other children their age
- has lost words or skills they used to have
Our speech pathologists in Northmead help late talkers and children with speech delay across Western Sydney, with play-based sessions and parent coaching. The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families; see our funding options or contact our Northmead team.
Frequently asked questions
What is an example of onomatopoeia for toddlers?
Animal and vehicle sounds are the most common: moo, woof, quack, beep beep, choo choo. Everyday sounds like splash, pop and uh-oh work well too.
Do sound words count as first words?
Yes. If your child uses a sound word consistently for the same thing, such as “woof” for dogs, it counts as a word.
Will using sound words stop my child learning the real word?
No. Say both together, for example “Dog, woof woof”. Children move from the sound word to the real word over time.
When should I worry about my toddler’s talking?
Talk to a speech pathologist if your child isn’t using any words by around 18 months, isn’t joining two words by 2, or has lost words they used to say.
References
- Laing, C. E. (2017). A perceptual advantage for onomatopoeia in early word learning: Evidence from eye-tracking. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 161, 32–45.
- Raising Children Network. Toddler talking and communication.