Words To Describe Sounds

noun a continuous low humming sound

adjective making a continuous low humming sound

• The droning sound of the machinery in the factory could be heard from miles away.
• I couldn't concentrate on my work with that droning noise coming from the next room.
• The party was so boring, the music was just droning on and on.
• Her voice had a droning quality that put me to sleep during the lecture.

noun a loud ringing of bells

verb to sound loudly and sonorously

• The church bells rang out in a loud peal to signal the start of the ceremony.
• I heard a peal of laughter coming from the living room.
• The fireworks made a huge peal in the sky.
• Her voice carried a peal of authority that commanded attention.

noun the sound of a bell ringing

verb present participle of the verb 'peal', which means to ring loudly or clearly

• The church bells were pealing to signal the start of the ceremony.
• I could hear the bells pealing as I walked past the church.
• The alarm clock was pealing so loud this morning, I couldn't ignore it.
• Her laughter echoed through the room, pealing like a bell.

adjective having a high-pitched and piercing sound

adverb in a shrill manner

• The shrill sound of the alarm woke me up from my deep sleep.
• I can't stand her shrill voice when she gets excited.
• The shrill ringtone on his phone is so annoying.
• The shrill criticism from her boss cut deep into her confidence.

noun a series of short, explosive sounds

verb to speak in a quick, confused, and indistinct way

• The old car spluttered and stalled as it struggled to start in the cold weather.
• I tried to start the lawnmower but it just spluttered and died.
• His attempt at a joke made everyone splutter with laughter.
• Her anger caused her words to splutter out in a rapid and incoherent manner.

adjective having a harsh, loud, and grating sound or effect

• The politician's strident tone during the debate was off-putting to some audience members.
• She has a very strident way of expressing her opinions, always speaking loudly and forcefully.
• I can't stand his strident attitude, he's always so obnoxious.
• The strident sound of the alarm clock woke me up abruptly.