hiss

verb

hissed; hissing; hisses

intransitive verb

: to make a sharp sibilant sound
the crowd hissed in disapproval
hissing steam

transitive verb

1
: to express disapproval of by hissing
hissed the performers off the stage
2
: to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss
hiss noun
hisser noun

Examples of hiss in a Sentence

The radiator hissed as it let off steam. The audience hissed him off the stage. “Leave me alone!” he hissed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stir frequently until the hissing subsides and the butter smells toasted and is speckled brown, 3 to 5 minutes. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025 Loud booms caused by fireworks tend to have cracking, hissing or whistling noises, along with sporadic overlapping sounds. Eleanor Nash july 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2025 There, the family of three contended with dinosaurs, hissing lizard men known as Sleestak, and ape-like primates called Pakuni — including one named Cha-Ka (Phillip Paley), who befriended the Marshalls and eventually learned to speak English. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 June 2025 At one point during the proceedings, Bryant threatened to clear the courtroom after one spectator hissed in disapproval and several others laughed at Hausmann’s assertion that the city had violated the company’s due process rights. Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hiss

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hiss was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiss. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

hiss

verb
: to make a long sharp sound like that of the speech sound \s\ or that made by an alarmed animal (as a snake or cat) usually as a sign of disapproval
hissed them off the stage
hiss noun
hisser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hiss

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