Meaning & Definition of Hissing in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To make a sound like a prolonged 's', as a snake does.

  Example Sentence: The snake was hissing as a warning to stay away.

• Definition: To express disapproval or contempt in a similar manner.

  Example Sentence: The crowd began hissing at the speaker when he misrepresented the facts.

• Definition: To emit steam or air with a hissing sound.

  Example Sentence: The kettle was hissing as it reached boiling point.

• Definition: To speak in a whisper or breathy voice, often with a tone of menace.

  Example Sentence: He was hissing threats under his breath.

Etymology

Origin: From the Middle English 'hissen', a frequentative form of 'hiss'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• hissing noise: A sound made by steam or gas escaping under pressure.
• hissing sound: A type of sound produced often by serpents or in disapproval.
• hissing cat: A defensive posture where a cat makes a hissing sound to warn others.

Translations

• Spanish: susurro

• French: sifflement

• German: Zischen

• Russian: шипение

Related Words

• hiss: To make a sibilant sound.

• sibilant: A speech sound with a hissing effect.

• whisper: To speak very softly.

Slang Meanings of hissing

• Meaning: To express dissatisfaction or disapproval, especially in a loud crowd.

  Example Sentence: The audience began hissing during the boring presentation.

• Meaning: To be sneaky or deceptive.

  Example Sentence: He's been hissing around, trying to figure out the best way to cheat the system.