DictionaryAI

hiss

HIS/hɪs/

Pluralhisses

Verbhisses, hissing, hissed

7 meanings of hiss

Practice

  1. 1
    the noisenouncountable
    A soft 'sss' sound, like the noise a snake or escaping steam makes.

    Like the 'sss' sound you make when you tell someone to be quiet.

    The snake gave a long hiss before slithering away.

    A steady hiss came from the gas stove.

    Similarfizz, sizzle

  2. 2
    make the noiseverbintransitive
    To make a long 'sss' sound, like a snake or steam escaping.

    Like the sound of air rushing out of a balloon.

    Snakes hiss when they feel threatened.

    The kettle hissed loudly on the stove.

  3. 3
    angry whisperverbtransitive
    To say something in a quick, angry, or urgent whisper.

    Like whispering hard and fast when you are angry.

    I heard her hiss, "Be quiet, the baby is sleeping."

    "We have to leave now," he hissed urgently.

    UsageUsed like said: "Go," he hissed.

    Similarwhisper

    Oppositeshout, yell

  4. 4
    verbtransitive or intransitive
    To show that you dislike someone by making a sharp 'sss' sound at them.

    Like booing a bad actor to show you are not happy.

    Angry fans hiss any player who gives up during the game.

    The spectators hissed when the decision was announced.

    UsagePeople may hiss a bad speaker off the stage.

    Similarboo, jeer, heckle, catcall

    Oppositecheer, applaud, clap

  5. 5
    nouncountable
    A sharp 'sss' sound that people make to show they do not like something.

    Like booing, but with a long 'sss' sound instead.

    A single hiss from the back of the room silenced the comedian.

    The referee's call was met with hisses from the home fans.

    Similarboo, jeer, catcall, hoot, raspberry

    Oppositecheer, applause

  6. 6
    verbintransitive
    To move while making a soft 'sss' sound.

    Like a fast object that makes a 'sss' as it flies by.

    Car tires hiss along the wet road after the rain.

    The rocket hissed into the sky trailing smoke.

    UsageUsed with words like past: the bullet hissed past.

    Similarwhistle, whiz, whoosh, zip, fizz

Less common meaning

  1. 7
    verbtransitive
    To get someone's attention by making a sharp 'sss' sound.

    Like making a 'sss' sound to quietly call someone over.

    From the back row, she hissed at her friend to get his attention.

    If you need me, just hiss from the doorway.

    UsageSay hiss at someone.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English hissen. The word probably comes from the sound itself.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts