Definition of hiss
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
nounhisser
nounRead the Latest from M-W
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.
Origin and Etymology of hiss
Middle English, of imitative origin
HISS Defined for English Language Learners
hiss
playDefinition of hiss for English Language Learners
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: to produce a sound like a long “s” : to make a hiss
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: to show that you dislike or disapprove of someone (such as a performer or speaker) by making a hiss
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: to say (something) in a loud or angry whisper
HISS Defined for Kids
Definition of hiss for Students
hissed
;hissing
1 : to make a sound like a long \s\ The creature hissed and hot flame shot from its mouth. — Mary Pope Osborne, Christmas in Camelot
2 : to show dislike or disapproval by hissing
3 : to say (something) in a loud or angry whisper “Keep your voice down!” he hissed.
Definition of hiss for Students
: a sound like a long \s\ sometimes used as a sign of dislike or disapproval the hiss of steam The hiss from the audience became louder.
Learn More about hiss
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See words that rhyme with hiss Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hiss Spanish Central: Translation of hiss Nglish: Translation of hiss for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of hiss for Arabic speakers
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