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sibilant

play
adjective sib·i·lant \ ˈsi-bə-lənt \

Definition of sibilant

:having, containing, or producing the sound of or a sound resembling that of the s or the sh in sash
  • a sibilant affricate
  • a sibilant snake
—

sibilantly

adverb

See sibilant defined for English-language learners

See sibilant defined for kids

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Examples of sibilant in a Sentence

  1. the sibilant hiss of a snake

Origin and Etymology of sibilant

Latin sibilant-, sibilans, present participle of sibilare to hiss, whistle, of imitative origin

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

2

sibilant

noun

Definition of sibilant

:a sibilant speech sound (such as English \s\, \z\, \sh\, \zh\, \ch(=tsh)\, or \j(=dzh)\)

See sibilant defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of sibilant

1788

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

SIBILANT Defined for English Language Learners

sibilant

play
adjective

Definition of sibilant for English Language Learners

  • : making or having a sound like the letters s or sh

sibilant

noun

Definition of sibilant for English Language Learners

  • : a sibilant sound (such as \ s \ or \ z \)

Medical Dictionary

1

sibilant

play
adjective sib·i·lant \ ˈsib-ə-lənt \

medical Definition of sibilant

:having, containing, or producing the sound of or a sound resembling that of the s or sh in sash
  • a sibilant speech sound
  • sibilant breathing
  • sibilant rales
2

sibilant

noun

medical Definition of sibilant

:a sibilant speech sound (as English \s\, \z\, \sh\, \zh\, \ch(=t + sh)\, or \j(=d + zh)\)

Learn More about sibilant

  1. Britannica English: Translation of sibilant for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sibilant

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smooth or hairless

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sibilant

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Examples: sibilant in a Sentence