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

• bubble
• fizzle
• swish
• whistle
• sizzle

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

Some hissing or growling is normal, but separate them if aggression escalates. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

My pal was in deep slumber, breathed through this kind of hissing accordion. —Sam Lipsyte, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025

And, that there was a goblin, squatting in my skull, rattling a metal pail full of bolts and hissing failure, rot, spoil. —Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025

Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025

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