Which literary term refers to a sound that mimics what it describes?

Onomatopoeia is the literary term that refers to a word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes. For example, words like "buzz," "hiss," or "clang" closely represent the actual sounds made by the objects or actions they refer to. This technique enhances the reader’s experience by creating a vivid auditory effect in the text, allowing them to hear the sounds in their imagination while engaging with the writing.

The other terms, while important in literary studies, refer to different concepts. Simile involves a comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as." Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words, which creates a rhythmic effect but does not mimic sounds. Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect. Therefore, the defining feature of onomatopoeia as a sound-mimicking term sets it apart as the correct choice in this context.