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blam

blam

2 8.9
A sudden loud noise like a gunshot or explosion
  • noun
  • /blæm/
  • Informal
translation icon : estallido
  • A sudden blam startled everyone in the audience as the fireworks went off.
  • fire: BLAM
  • heard the blam
  • BLAM—he shoots

Examples

  • Under the Cadillac, Plissken continues to fire: BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM!

    Fiction book (1996)
  • SLATER triggers the .44, BLAM!

    Fiction book (1993)
  • BLAM, BLAM, BLAM, BLAM! All of them wild, but serving to get Nathaniel pinned down behind a check-writing island.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • There's a BLAM, BLAM, BLAM as Scorpitron repeatedly fires his cannon arm at the Bear Zord, who in turn deflects the volleys.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • There's a BLAM, BLAM, BLAM as Scorpitron repeatedly fires his cannon arm at the Bear Zord, who in turn deflects the volleys.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The blam of the gun echoed through the empty street.

  • When the artist hit the drum, a loud blam resounded in the hall.

Synonyms

bang
vsblam
237 1.3

A sudden loud noise from a hit or impact

is more general and applies to sudden loud noises from explosions or gunfire
gunshot
vsblam
144 2.1

A loud sharp sound that a gun makes when it fires

is a broader sudden loud noise term not limited to firearms
bam
vsblam
  • Informal
108 8.4

A sudden very loud noise, like an explosion or a slammed door

is the general sudden loud noise term rather than a vivid sound imitation
report
vsblam
78 5.8

A sudden loud noise like the bang of a gun

is the general sudden loud noise sense not limited to firearms or blasts
explosion
vsblam
44 3.0

A sudden strong burst of emotion or noise

is the sudden loud noise sense rather than the broader violent outburst meaning
popping
vsblam
37 3.0

A sharp, sudden sound made when something bursts, like a balloon or bottle opening

is the broader sudden loud noise term not limited to small sharp pops
blast
vsblam
27 2.7

A sudden very loud noise that hurts your ears

is used more generally for sudden loud noises rather than only those from explosions
pow
vsblam
  • Informal
19 7.3

A sudden loud sound from a hit, explosion, or when something bursts

is used more broadly for sudden loud noises rather than naming specific causes
wham
vsblam
  • Informal
15 3.6

A sudden loud sound when one thing hits another

is the general sudden loud noise term not only for collisions
kaboom
vsblam
  • Informal
14 7.5

A loud bang from an explosion or a heavy hit

is the general sudden loud noise category rather than a playful sound effect
a loud bang
vsblam
10 1.2

A sudden very loud noise often from an explosion or crash

is the general sudden loud noise term not always so sharp
blare
vsblam
9 4.2

A loud harsh sound that hurts your ears, like an alarm or horn

is the sudden loud noise sense rather than prolonged harsh noise
sonic boom
vsblam
  • Specialized
8 4.5

A loud, explosive sound made when something like a plane goes faster than sound

is the general sudden loud noise term not tied to supersonic travel
clap
vsblam
8 1.0

A sudden loud noise like thunder or an explosion

is the general sudden loud noise sense rather than sharp strike sounds
boom-boom
vsblam
  • Informal
7 7.6

A loud, deep sound like an explosion or fireworks

is the broader sudden loud noise class not focused on low depth
big bang
vsblam
2 3.4

A loud sudden noise like an explosion

is the general sudden loud noise sense not necessarily a massive explosion
backfire
vsblam
2 5.0

A loud explosive noise from a gun or engine when fuel catches fire suddenly

is the general sudden loud noise term not specific to ignition causes
eruption
vsblam
1 4.1

A sudden loud burst of noise such as applause

is the general sudden loud noise term rather than focusing on outburst form
whoof
vsblam
1 9.3

A loud deep sound like a dog's bark or a sudden rush of air

is the general sudden loud noise term not tied to animal or air sounds
bangs
vsblam
1 1.3

Sudden loud noises like small explosions

is the single sudden loud noise sense rather than repeated bursts
thunderclap
vsblam
1 6.5

A sudden shocking event or announcement that surprises many people

is the sudden loud noise meaning rather than a metaphorical shocking event
sudden cannonade
vsblam
  • Archaic
9.2

A sudden series of very loud bangs like explosions

is the general sudden loud noise sense not tied to artillery imagery
screamer
vsblam
4.1

A sudden very loud sound that startles people

is the sudden loud noise sense rather than focusing only on startle effect

How Loud

explosion
2.8
blam
  • Informal
2 8.9
bang
237 1.3
thud
81 2.2
knock
81 1.3
murmur
36 4.1

Surface Forms

blam singular
blams plural

Etymology

Blam began as a noise word for a sudden loud sound, like bang or boom, so a 'blam' is a sharp, sudden noise such as a gunshot or a heavy hit.