thud

[ thuhd ]

noun

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

verb (used without object)

, thud·ded, thud·ding.

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

thud

/ 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

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a sound

Other Words From

• thudding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of thud¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thud¹

Old English thyddan to strike; related to thoddettan to beat, perhaps of imitative origin

Example Sentences

“It was around 4 o’clock in the morning. We were asleep. We woke up because of a very strong thud. We couldn’t see anything in the beginning because of the smoke that was everywhere,” said a mother of two who lived in the building opposite.

From BBC

There’s no question that the ruling handed down Thursday by Judge Colleen McMahon in New York landed with a thud among lawyers trying to bring such cases.

From Los Angeles Times

The music of jazz trumpeter Enrico Rava washes over the dining room as solicitous waiters recite the evening’s specials, their delivery unaffected by the thud of bombs falling on a neighborhood nearby.

From Los Angeles Times

While we were packing up to leave there was a thud above us.

From BBC

Moments later, as if by her mother’s divine intervention, Griffin’s Valentino belt popped off of her waist and hit the stage with a thud.

From Salon

Related Words

• bang
• thump