What is the term for words that imitate sounds, such as "pop" or "sizzle"?

The term for words that imitate sounds is onomatopoeia. This literary device captures the essence of particular sounds through the words themselves, making the experience more vivid and engaging for the reader. In the examples provided, "pop" reflects the sharp sound of something bursting, while "sizzle" mimics the sound of something frying. This enhances descriptive writing and adds an auditory element that can evoke specific imagery and feelings.

Alliteration involves the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words, while assonance focuses on the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. Rhythm pertains to the pattern of sounds in speech or writing, but it does not specifically refer to imitating sounds like onomatopoeia does. Thus, onomatopoeia is the correct term for words that imitate sounds.