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

If the pressure relief valve begins hissing or spraying water, then something is wrong. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Jan. 2026

Donors symbolically adopt and name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after a loved one, an ex, or anyone who deserves to be immortalized with a hiss and receive a certificate with your proof of naming for $15. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

The hissing noise tracked to his home office, where one wall felt particularly warm. —J.c. Hallman, Oklahoma Watch, 22 Jan. 2026

Squeeze the handle too lightly and the bottle would sputter and hiss but release nothing. —Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 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