hiss — to make a sharp sibilant sound like that of a snake
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make a sharp sibilant sound like that of a snake
Pronunciation (IPA): /hɪs/
Example Sentences
- My cat hisses every time I try to give it a bath - it sounds like a tiny dragon!
- The kettle hissed loudly, announcing that tea time had arrived.
- He hissed the secret password so quietly that even the wind couldn't hear it.
hiss
VERB[/hɪs/]
to make a sharp sibilant sound like that of a snake

The startled cat arched its back and let out a sharp hiss at the intruding dog.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English hissen, which is an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound made by snakes or escaping steam. This word developed naturally across languages as humans mimicked the actual 'hiss' sound they heard.
Breakdown
hiss (onomatopoeic root imitating the sharp sibilant sound of air or steam escaping)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat hisses every time I try to give it a bath - it sounds like a tiny dragon!”
“The kettle hissed loudly, announcing that tea time had arrived.”
“He hissed the secret password so quietly that even the wind couldn't hear it.”
“The deflating balloon traveled around the room with a comical hiss.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.