verb
hiss
hihs
verb
1
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."
2
To show disapproval of someone by making this sound.
"The crowd hissed at the referee's decision."
noun
1
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
Word Forms
hissed past tense, hisses plural, hisses singular
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Steam _____ out of the cracked pipe.
Etymology
Imitative of the sound itself — the word mimics the noise it describes.