8 Words For The Sound Of The Wind (Onomatopoeia)

You probably already have a good idea of what wind sounds like. However, you might not have as good an idea of how to write words that create that sound. This article will show you some of the best wind onomatopoeia available to use.

Which Words Can Describe The Sound Of The Wind?

There are some great ways for us to describe the sound of the wind. Try one of the following to see which you like best:

  • Swish
  • Swoosh
  • Whiff
  • Whoosh
  • Whizz
  • Whisper
  • Howl
  • Rustle
wind onomatopoeia

The preferred version is “swish.” It works well to show that a small tunnel of wind has been created, and the “swishing” sound relates to the noise you hear as it brushes past your ears. It’s the most common way for wind to be heard by the human ear.

Swish

“Swish” works well to show that air is being blown in a way that creates sound. Just because something is windy doesn’t mean it has to be forceful. The “swish” can relate to both gentle winds and stormy winds, depending on which variation works best in the context.

  • The wind swished for a while before it finally settled. It’s a great noise to have accompanying you while you sleep.
  • Swish! Swish! It’s like the wind is trying to tell me something. If only I knew what it wanted.
  • Swish! There’s that sound again! The wind knows that I like it, and it’s doing it to please me.

Swoosh

“Swoosh” is another great example of how onomatopoeia can slightly vary between words. Many people would consider “swish” and “swoosh” identical. The addition of the double “O” also works quite well to show that it’s a more drawn-out noise than a “swish.”

It’s up to you which you prefer. You may also find that “swish” works better for gentler winds, while “swoosh” works when there’s more force behind them.

  • Swoosh! There it goes again. I love that feeling on my face as the wind passes by.
  • Swoosh! The wind was gathering around us. It was getting quite difficult to move around.
  • The swooshing of the wind was sending me to sleep. I’m glad I kept my window open.

Whiff

“Whiff” is a good choice that introduces a “W” to start the word rather than an “S.” We can use this “W” to show that the wind is moving around someone.

It’s sometimes common for onomatopoeic words like this to match the first word of whatever you are imitating. Since wind begins with “W,” it makes sense that some people also like “whiff” as an option.

  • Did you hear that whiffing sound? It’s as if the wind is trying to get in through the window.
  • The whiffing wind was getting louder. It was whistling, whining, and wailing all at the same time.
  • You should listen to the whiff more often. It can be quite relaxing if you catch it just right.

Whoosh

“Whoosh” uses the “W” as we mentioned above, but it combines it with the “swoosh” sound. We can use it to show that there is a longer, windier sound gathering around someone. It might work best when you’re talking about heavier winds.

  • Whoosh! The wind was getting thicker and faster now. We had to be prepared for every eventuality.
  • Whoosh! I could tell the wind had picked up as I got closer to the shore. I didn’t like it. Not one bit.
  • The wind was whooshing all over the place, and the noises it was creating were quite the marvel!

Whizz

“Whizz” uses “Z’s” instead of “F’s” in “whiff.” It’s almost identical, but it allows us to show that there’s a bit of a buzzing sound behind the wind. This isn’t natural, and some people don’t like it. However, you might find it works in your context, especially for artificial wind noises.

  • The wind whizzed by. It was like it had a destination to reach, and it needed to get there before it was made late.
  • The whizzing of the wind was enough to catch anyone off-guard. It really hurt my head when I heard it.
  • That’s the whizz you want to listen out for. It’s like music to my ears, but I’m not sure if it’s for everyone.

Whisper

“Whisper” is an onomatopoeia that refers to the gentlest of winds. It can only be described as if the wind is trying to talk to you, and it works well when you want to add a bit of flair to your writing.

  • The gentle whisper of the wind as I walked by was comforting for me. I wish I could have that feeling more often.
  • It’s whispering my name as if it knows that I’m in trouble. If only there were something the wind could do for me.
  • Did you hear it whispering? It was like something out of a movie.

Howl

“Howl” is the opposite of “whisper.” We use it to show that the wind is incredibly strong and loud. If the wind is howling, it’s usually strong enough to start pushing people around, and it’s definitely loud enough to wake people up at night.

  • The wind was howling like a swirling storm inside. They couldn’t keep it in, even though they tried.
  • It was howling louder than ever now. I knew this storm had to pass eventually, but I wasn’t going to wait around forever.
  • You’ll hear it howling for most of the night. I’m really sorry, but that’s how it’s always been around here.

Rustle

“Rustle” is another gentle sound we can use. Wind tends to rustle when it blows into small things that can be moved around. For example, you might say that wind “rustles” when it moves through leaves or bushes.

“Rustle” is a great way to also include other ideas in your writing, instead of only the wind sounds.

  • The rustling of the wind was enough to keep me up at night. I wasn’t best pleased.
  • I need the wind to stop rustling. I can’t sleep like this. It’s almost unbearable.
  • Is that the rustling of the wind you can hear, or is there something a little more sinister going on?