thump

[ thuhmp ]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. tr to strike or beat heavily; pound
2. intr to throb, beat, or pound violently

   his heart thumped with excitement

Derived Forms

• ˈthumper, noun

Other Words From

• thumper noun
• un·thumped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thump¹

First recorded in 1530–40; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of thump¹

C16: related to Icelandic, Swedish dialect dumpa to thump; see thud , bump

Example Sentences

A play on the White Stripes 2007 album, "Icky Thump."

From Salon

Every so often, a loud thump would hit somewhere in the distance, and they would crane their necks trying to see smoke and identify where it might be.

From Los Angeles Times

With a new house-music thump behind them, Fuerza Regida found a new after-hours realm.

From Los Angeles Times

The group’s classic instrumentation got a new scaffolding of Jersey club drums, roiling sub-bass and reggaeton thump.

From Los Angeles Times

As he was speaking, a bass-drum thump sounded in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• thud