verb

hiss

hihs

Hiss (verb) means to make a sharp, sustained "sss" sound, as a snake or escaping gas does. Example: “Steam hissed out of the cracked pipe.”

verb

To make a sharp, sustained "sss" sound, as a snake or escaping gas does.

"Steam hissed out of the cracked pipe."

"The cat hissed at the approaching dog."

To show disapproval of someone by making this sound.

"The crowd hissed at the referee's decision."

noun

A sharp, sustained sound like that made by a snake or escaping steam.

"There was a loud hiss as the valve released pressure."

How to use hiss

Learner’s notes

Common pairings

hiss at someone hiss and boo a hiss of steam

hissed past tense, hisses plural, hisses singular

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Test yourself on “hiss” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

Steam _____ out of the cracked pipe.

Imitative of the sound itself — the word mimics the noise it describes.

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What does “hiss” mean?

The word “hiss” means to make a sharp, sustained "sss" sound, as a snake or escaping gas does.

How do you pronounce “hiss”?

“Hiss” is pronounced hihs (/hɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “hiss” in a sentence?

Here is “hiss” used in a sentence: “Steam hissed out of the cracked pipe.”

What part of speech is “hiss”?

Depending on how it is used, “hiss” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “hiss” have?

“Hiss” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a sharp, sustained "sss" sound, as a snake or escaping gas does.

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