hiss

verb

ˈhis 

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

Synonyms

• fizz
• fizzle
• sizzle
• swish
• whish
• whiz
• whizz

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

They can be trained to walk on a leash, to be comfortable around dogs, to touch objects with their nose, to hiss, to stand water and to problem-solve. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Set, as its title suggests, on the last night of the last millennium, the movie opens with a flock of winged toasters — a screensaver image sure to trigger fond memories of hissing modems and chirping AIM messages. —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

After hissing at the camera, the cub started chirping, calling out for its mother. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

And some hoot and holler at just a whiff of Nicolas Cage screaming and hissing and mincing and making bug-eyes. —Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 11 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

hiss

verb

ˈhis 

: 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