Which literary device is defined as the use of words to describe or imitate sounds?

Onomatopoeia is the literary device that refers to the use of words that phonetically mimic or resemble the sound they describe. This device helps create a more immersive experience for the reader by making the text more vivid and engaging. Common examples of onomatopoeia include words like "buzz," "clang," "sizzle," and "murmur," which directly reflect the sounds associated with those actions or objects.

In contrast, imagery involves descriptive language that appeals to the senses and paints a picture in the reader's mind, but it does not specifically focus on sound. Alliteration, on the other hand, is a stylistic device that repeats the initial consonant sounds in closely placed words, enhancing rhythm and flow rather than imitating sounds. Lastly, symbolism uses symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning, diverging from the sound-focused characteristic of onomatopoeia. Hence, onomatopoeia uniquely captures sounds, making it the correct answer for this question.