thump

American  

[thuhmp] / θʌmp /

noun

1. a blow with something thick and heavy, producing a dull sound; a heavy knock.

2. the sound made by or as if by such a blow.

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verb (used with object)

1. to strike or beat with something thick and heavy, so as to produce a dull sound; pound.

2. (of an object) to strike against (something) heavily and noisily.

3. Informal. to thrash severely.

verb (used without object)

1. to strike, beat, or fall heavily, with a dull sound.

2. to walk with heavy steps; pound.

3. to palpitate or beat violently, as the heart.

thump British  

/ θʌmp /

noun

1. the sound of a heavy solid body hitting or pounding a comparatively soft surface

2. a heavy blow with the hand

   he gave me a thump on the back

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verb

1. (tr) to strike or beat heavily; pound

2. (intr) to throb, beat, or pound violently

   his heart thumped with excitement

Other Word Forms

• thumper noun
• unthumped adjective

Etymology

Origin of thump

First recorded in 1530–40; imitative

Example Sentences

Seven steps into the trees, I closed my eyes and filtered out the noise of the birds and breeze, and the city beyond that, until a distant but steady thump came to me.

From Literature

He opens his mouth to say something, but at that moment, the muted thumping from inside amplifies when Zara steps out, and he doesn’t.

From Literature

There was a soft thump as Gingersnipes dropped down to four legs.

From Literature

Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.

From Los Angeles Times

It will feel a long break for Newcastle fans though as they have no chance of rebounding quickly from that derby day misery and Champions League thumping by Barcelona.

From BBC

Related Words

• thud