verb

sizzle

SIH-zuhl

Sizzle (verb) means to make a hissing, crackling sound, as food does when frying. Example: “Bacon sizzled loudly in the pan.”

verb

To make a hissing, crackling sound, as food does when frying.

"Bacon sizzled loudly in the pan."

To be extremely exciting, impressive, or attractive.

"The band's live performance really sizzled."

How to use sizzle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe hissing sound of frying food, or, figuratively, being full of energy and excitement.

Common pairings

sizzle in the pan sizzle with excitement

Word forms

sizzled past tense, sizzles singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Bacon _____ loudly in the pan.

Etymology

Likely from an old imitative word meaning "to hiss" or "buzz," reflecting the sound itself.

Rhymes for sizzle

fizzle drizzle

See all rhymes for sizzle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “sizzle” mean?

The word “sizzle” means to make a hissing, crackling sound, as food does when frying. In plain terms, the hissing sound of frying food, or, figuratively, being full of energy and excitement.

How do you pronounce “sizzle”?

“Sizzle” is pronounced SIH-zuhl (/ˈsɪzəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “sizzle” in a sentence?

Here is “sizzle” used in a sentence: “Bacon sizzled loudly in the pan.”

What part of speech is “sizzle”?

“Sizzle” is a verb.

How many meanings does “sizzle” have?

“Sizzle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a hissing, crackling sound, as food does when frying.