hiss

/hɪs/

/hɪs/

Other forms: hissing; hissed; hisses

To hiss is to make a long s sound. Snakes are known to hiss, and sometimes unhappy audience members will hiss instead of booing.

The sound you make when you hiss — also called a hiss — sounds just like the word itself. In fact, you can't say the word without hissing. This type of sound is also known as sibilance, a consonant that's pronounced when a stream of air passes through teeth that are touching or close together. A barista's steaming wand hisses as she foams milk, and some types of snakes hiss in warning.

Definitions of hiss

1. verb

   make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval
   synonyms: sibilate, siss, sizz

   type of:

   emit, let loose, let out, utter

   express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
2. verb

   show displeasure, as after a performance or speech
   synonyms: boo

   type of:

   condemn

   declare or judge unfit for use or habitation
3. verb

   express or utter with a hiss
   synonyms: sibilate, siss, sizz

   type of:

   mouth, speak, talk, utter, verbalise, verbalize

   express in speech
4. verb

   move with a whooshing sound
   synonyms: whoosh

   type of:

   go, locomote, move, travel

   change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
5. noun

   a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
   synonyms: fizzle, hissing, hushing, sibilation

   type of:

   noise

   sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
6. noun

   a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
   synonyms: Bronx cheer, bird, boo, hoot, raspberry, razz, razzing, snort

   type of:

   call, cry, outcry, shout, vociferation, yell

   a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition