Thumping: meaning, definitions and examples

This word often describes a repetitive, dull sound, like that of something heavy hitting a surface regularly. It can be used to describe the sound of footsteps, heartbeats, or a heavy object landing.

• I could hear a thumping sound coming from the basement.
• My heart was thumping loudly in my chest when I saw him.

Pounding usually describes a heavy, deep, and forceful repetitive sound. It can be used in contexts like heavy rainfall, loud music, or the sensation of a headache.

• The heavy rain was pounding on the roof.
• I had a pounding headache after the concert.

This word often refers to a rhythmic, repetitive sound, like that associated with a drum. It can also describe the sound of a heart or the act of someone being physically hit, the latter with a negative connotation.

• The beating of the drums could be heard from afar.
• His heart was beating rapidly from the excitement.

Banging is typically used to describe loud, sharp noises, often sudden and jarring. It can refer to doors being slammed, pots and pans clashing, or loud construction work.

• Stop banging on the door!
• The banging noise from the construction site was unbearable.

Thumping is often used to describe a repetitive, dull sound, usually with a somewhat positive or neutral tone. It can be used when describing noises like loud music, a heartbeat, or footsteps.

• The music was thumping loudly from the speakers.
• She felt the thumping of her heart in her chest as she ran.

Pounding involves a heavy and continuous striking. It is often used to describe a forceful, repetitive action or sound, and can be either physical (like pounding on a door) or metaphorical (like a headache).

• She was pounding on the door, trying to get in.
• He had a pounding headache after the long meeting.

Beating refers to a rhythmic, forceful action. It is often used to describe the action of hitting something repeatedly or the sound of a pounding heart. It can have neutral to negative connotations.

• The beating of drums could be heard from a distance.
• His heart was beating fast from the excitement.

Banging describes a loud, harsh noise, typically involving hitting or slamming. It is often used when referring to sudden or continuous loud sounds and can have a negative connotation.

• He woke up to the banging of the construction next door.
• The door kept banging in the strong wind.