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

• fizz
• fizzle
• sizzle
• swish
• whish
• whiz
• whizz

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

In the darkness before dawn, Yang Xingping opens the spigot of a huge, hissing tank, sending steaming hot water gushing into a big white thermos with a cork stopper. —Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2024

This hissing sound is produced by the tarantula rubbing specialized bristles on its legs together. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 Aug. 2024

The snake usually provides warning signs such as coiling up, rattling their tails and hissing. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 22 Feb. 2024

Music thumped and air hissed as Milwaukee Public Schools students filled balloons Friday in advance of the Republican National Convention and former President Donald Trump's speech as the party's nominee. —Jolan Kruse, Journal Sentinel, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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