bam

¹

[ bam ]

noun

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

verb (used without object)

, bammed, bam·ming.

1. to make or emit a bam.

B.A.M.

²

abbreviation for

1. Bachelor of Applied Mathematics.
2. Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bam¹

Imitative

Example Sentences

"I had no pain, nothing to speak of, and then 'bam, I had a mouth cancer diagnosis'," he says.

From BBC

I tiptoe in that direction, and bam, there it is in the clearing—a hellhound with brown fur that stands on end.

From Literature

But the rhythm is like music, fast and propulsive, building to a crescendo until, bam, something slams on the brakes: “You eat breakfast?!”

From Seattle Times

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

From New York Times

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

Related Words

• clobber
• drub
• pummel
• smack
• whack