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Synonyms

bam

1 American  
[bam] / bæm /

noun

  1. a loud thud, as that produced when two objects strike against each other with force.

verb (used without object)

bammed, bamming

  1. to make or emit a bam.

B.A.M. 2 American  

abbreviation

  1. Bachelor of Applied Mathematics.

  2. Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Etymology

Origin of bam

Imitative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"There was just a little bit of heat, then bam, they bombed again, and now nothing works," Yeromina sighed.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

Consequently, the dance style developed swift, sharp and forceful movements - much like how action heroes in comic books beat up their villains, accompanied by sound-effects like "ka-pow" and "bam".

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024

“I wanted to come in, bam bam, with a big surprise,” he said.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2024

Even so, everything was going fine until, bam, welcome to 11th grade and everything you have to do in a 10-month period to ensure you are on track for the rest of your life.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2023

She flew off her nest, squawking and clucking, and sped out of the bam.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.