hiss

verb

hissed; hissing; hisses

intransitive verb

: to make a sharp sibilant sound
the crowd hissed in disapproval
hissing steam

transitive verb

1
: to express disapproval of by hissing
hissed the performers off the stage
2
: to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss
hiss noun
hisser noun

Examples of hiss in a Sentence

The radiator hissed as it let off steam. The audience hissed him off the stage. “Leave me alone!” he hissed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tinnitus causes persistent sounds such as ringing, hissing, buzzing or whooshing in the ears. Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 Despite the protective parents hissing, Henry persisted and was ultimately able to guide the goslings toward a safer way out. Seth Carnell, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Those answers hissed out of glass flasks like I-457, gathered at stations from near the North Pole to Mauna Loa, and from the tiny Christmas Island to the South Pole. Ashley Braun, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025 Out on the city streets, steam hisses up from sewer grates, holographic adverts light the horizon, and every passing car and shop window reflects the world. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hiss

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hiss was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiss. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hiss

verb
: to make a long sharp sound like that of the speech sound \s\ or that made by an alarmed animal (as a snake or cat) usually as a sign of disapproval
hissed them off the stage
hiss noun
hisser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hiss

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