What term describes a word that is formed by the imitation of natural sounds?

Onomatopoeia refers to a word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes. This literary device plays a significant role in creating vivid imagery and enhancing the sensory experience in literature and poetry. Examples include words like "buzz," which mimics the sound of bees or "clang," which imitates the sound of metal striking metal. This device draws readers in, allowing them to connect more deeply with the text through auditory associations.

The other terms do not describe sound imitation. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as," while a metaphor is a direct comparison that asserts one thing is another, without using "like" or "as." Alliteration involves the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words, but it does not concern itself with imitating natural sounds. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why onomatopoeia is the correct answer in this context.