Thump-a-thump

A rhythmic, often loud and heavy, pulsating sound or series of sounds, typically produced by the beating of a heart, the striking of an object, or the impact of something moving forcefully. The term captures a distinct, repetitive nature, emphasizing the percussive quality of the sound, and may suggest a sense of impact or urgency. The 'thump' aspect is often associated with low frequencies, giving the sensation of physical vibration. thump-a-thump signifies a more regular and pronounced pattern than simply 'thump'. It is used to describe sounds, and in its figurative use, can describe a feeling of anxiety or excitement.

Thump-a-thump meaning with examples

• The old grandfather clock emitted a rhythmic thump-a-thump, announcing the passage of each hour. We could hear the distant thump-a-thump of the dance club music. The relentless thump-a-thump of the construction next door made it hard to concentrate on my work. As I waited in line for the roller coaster, my heart beat with a frantic thump-a-thump. A tense, building scene in the horror movie was accompanied by a sinister thump-a-thump, ratcheting up the suspense.
• From beneath the floorboards of the antique shop, a constant thump-a-thump resonated, driving customers away. The giant's approaching footsteps were heralded by a low, ominous thump-a-thump. The drum solo, a flurry of sticks, began with a slow, deliberate thump-a-thump. The repairman identified the cause of the strange sound as a faulty washing machine, with a disruptive thump-a-thump during its spin cycle. The nervous groom's heart pounded a frantic thump-a-thump as he waited at the altar.