rhizoverbBeta
DictionarythudDull impact sound
noun / verb

thud

THUD/θʌd/

A dull, heavy impact sound, or to make such a sound.

The heavy sack hits the floor with a thud.

A heavy, tightly packed burlap sack striking a wooden floor, its base visibly flattening at contact and a small puff of dust escaping sideways, evoking a low, dull impact rather than a sharp crash.
Etymology

The word is broadly imitative of sound and may have been coined more than once. Its modern use evokes the low, blunt noise of a heavy impact.

In context

PublicResourceOrg21:50
use a spoon and tap gently on the lid a clear ringing sound indicates a sealed jar while a dull thud tells us it hasn't sealed
Collecting and Using Alaska's Wild Berries

More examples

  • The box thudded onto the mat.
  • Several thuds came from upstairs.
  • Boots are thudding down the hall.

Forms

thud · thuds · thudded · thudding

Similar words

thump
A similar dull impact sound, often stronger or repeated.
crash
A louder sharper collision, often involving breaking.