hiss

verb

hissed; hissing; hisses
Synonyms of hissnext

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.
In Whale’s picture, the bride doesn’t talk — only screams or hisses like an irritated cat — and is brought to life 5 minutes before the credits roll. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026 Rising from the center of the bay is a Star Wars-style cockpit, neon-lit and hissing as the door opens to reveal a dashboard equipped with self-flying software. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026 The beef is tender with bits of fat — the kind of fat that renders and drips on the glowing coals causing the grill to hiss like an agitated cobra. Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 25 Feb. 2026 Why Madagascar hissing cockroaches are actually romantic Naming a roach for Valentine’s Day is a great gag, but also these critters are capable of hissing their way into your heart. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 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 11 Mar. 2026.

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

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