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
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- hisses
- Third person singular
- hisses
- Past tense
- hissed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Steam _____ out of the cracked pipe.
Etymology
Imitative of the sound itself — the word mimics the noise it describes.
Related words
Rhymes for hiss
See all rhymes for hiss →Frequently asked questions
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.
