ideophone

noun

ideo·​phone
ˈidēəˌfōn also ˈīd-
plural -s
: an onomatopoeic element functioning as part of distinct word class especially in African languages

Word History

Etymology

ideo- + -phone

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ideophone was in 1935

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near ideophone

Cite this Entry

“Ideophone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ideophone. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!