thud

American  

[thuhd] / θʌd /

noun

1. a dull sound, as of a heavy blow or fall.

2. a blow causing such a sound.

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verb (used without object)

thudded, thudding

1. to strike or fall with a dull sound of heavy impact.

thud British  

/ θʌd /

noun

1. a dull heavy sound

   the book fell to the ground with a thud

2. a blow or fall that causes such a sound

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verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound

Other Word Forms

• thuddingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of thud

1505–15; imitative; compare Middle English thudden, Old English thyddan to strike, press

Example Sentences

The car hit a bump and the kid’s backpack slid off the seat with a thud.

From Literature

They heard Pelicarnassus cry out in anger, and two massive thuds as the giant robot pelican suit stepped into the classroom, smashing desks everywhere.

From Literature

I stopped cold and listened, my heart thudding in my chest, beating out its own rhythm of quiet strength.

From Literature

Local Facebook groups were flooded with complaints from Inuit hunters annoyed that the thudding helicopters scared away the reindeer from traditional hunting grounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Disney parks are full of attractions that opened late, went over budget, or needed costly overhauls after debuting with a thud.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bang
• thump