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

Tinnitus causes persistent sounds such as ringing, hissing, buzzing or whooshing in the ears. —Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025

Despite the protective parents hissing, Henry persisted and was ultimately able to guide the goslings toward a safer way out. —Seth Carnell, USA Today, 25 May 2025

Those answers hissed out of glass flasks like I-457, gathered at stations from near the North Pole to Mauna Loa, and from the tiny Christmas Island to the South Pole. —Ashley Braun, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025

Out on the city streets, steam hisses up from sewer grates, holographic adverts light the horizon, and every passing car and shop window reflects the world. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 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