Hiss

/hɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sharp sibilant sound, especially one of disapproval.

The hiss from the audience indicated their discontent.

The sound made by a snake or similar animal.

The hiss of the snake was a warning to those nearby.

verb

To make a sharp sibilant sound like that of the letter 's', often used to express disapproval.

The audience began to hiss when the actor flubbed his lines.

To expel air or gas through a small opening, producing a hissing sound.

The snake hissed menacingly as I approached.

To express displeasure or contempt through a similar sound.

She hissed at the suggestion, clearly not pleased with the idea.

Middle English, likely from Old English 'hissian', resembling the sound it denotes.

hiss of steam

The sound made by steam escaping, typically indicating pressure release.

hissing noise

A sound similar to that made by a snake or steam.

hissing

The act of making a hissing sound.

sibilant

Making a hissing or hushing sound.

To express disapproval or criticism.

She got hissed off during her presentation for lacking confidence.

To undermine someone's authority or statement.

After his last mistake, his coworkers didn't hesitate to hiss at his ideas.