hiss

verb

ˈhis 

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

Synonyms of hiss

• bubble
• whistle
• fizzle
• swish

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

Wynn said the alligator started to get agitated and even opened its mouth and hissed at her. — Steven Yablonski, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

The complete assembly weighs just enough for the Madagascar hissing cockroach, a species favored for cyborg research because of its large size, robustness, and wingless body, to carry without significantly impairing its movement. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026

Jason was hissing fiercely; Gordon, who projects a monastic calm, was trying to reason with the mother while batting her back each time the flap swung open. — Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Granny doesn’t discriminate, hissing invective at both Alice and Thya with equal venom. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for hiss

• bis
• bliss
• criss
• dis
• diss
• kiss
• kris
• liss
• mis
• miss
• riss
• sis

Kids Definition

hiss

verb

ˈhis 

: 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