What term is used to describe words that sound like their meaning?

The term that describes words that sound like their meaning is onomatopoeia. This literary device involves words that phonetically imitate or suggest the sound that they describe. For instance, words like "buzz," "bang," and "sizzle" mimic the actual sounds they represent, creating a vivid auditory experience for the reader or listener. This characteristic makes onomatopoeia a powerful tool in both poetry and prose, as it enhances imagery and engages the audience’s senses more effectively.

In contrast, hyperbole refers to exaggerated claims not meant to be taken literally, alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words, and a metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Each of these terms serves a distinct purpose in language and literature, but only onomatopoeia directly relates to the sounds associated with their meanings.