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sibilant

adjective sib·i·lant \ ˈsi-bə-lənt \
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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

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

in the meaning defined above

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

SIBILANT Defined for English Language Learners

sibilant

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

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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Examples: sibilant in a Sentence