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hissto 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.
💡 Concept

The startled cat arched its back and let out a sharp hiss at the intruding dog.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/hɪs/
🇬🇧 UK/hɪs/

🌳Etymology

Roothiss

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

kissmissthisbliss
kiss
miss
this
bliss

🔗Collocations

hiss at someone
hiss of steam
hiss angrily
snake's hiss
hiss with disapproval

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

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.

😄 Fun example

The deflating balloon traveled around the room with a comical hiss.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

whistlesizzlefizzwheeze

Antonyms

silencequiet

Related

snakesteamboowhisperonomatopoeia

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