# sizzle

Pronunciation: say "SIZ-uhl" /ˈsɪzəl/

## Verb

1. To make the sharp hissing sound produced when liquid meets a very hot surface.
   - Simple: To make a sharp hissing sound, like water dropping onto a very hot pan.
   - _Raindrops sizzle when they land on the sun-baked metal roof._
   - _The steaks sizzled loudly over the open flame._
2. To cook something over high heat so that it makes a sharp hissing sound. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: To cook food in a hot pan so that it makes a hissing sound.
   - _They sizzle thin slices of beef on the hot griddle._
   - _We sizzled the shrimp in garlic butter for a few minutes._
4. To be exciting, dazzling, or full of energy.
   - Simple: To be very exciting or full of energy.
   - _The romance between the leads sizzles on screen._
   - _Performances like these sizzle with raw energy._

## Noun

3. The sharp hissing noise produced when liquid meets a hot surface.
   - Simple: The hissing noise made when liquid hits something very hot.
   - _A loud sizzle rose from the pan as the butter melted._
   - _The sizzle of rain on hot pavement filled the street._
5. Energy, excitement, or flair that makes something stand out.
   - Simple: Energy, excitement, or style that grabs attention.
   - _The marketing campaign had plenty of sizzle but little substance._
   - _Her speech brought sizzle to an otherwise dull evening._
6. A round of cooking something over heat so that it makes a sharp hissing sound. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: A round of cooking food so that it makes a hissing sound.
   - _A short sizzle in hot oil gives the dumplings a crisp bottom._
   - _The recipe calls for a brief sizzle before adding the sauce._
7. Short form of sizzle reel. — Ellipsis of sizzle reel.
   - Simple: Short form of sizzle reel. This is a quick video used to sell a show or idea.
   - _The producers sent over a sizzle to attract investors._
   - _Her sizzle landed the network deal._

## Origin

This is probably formed from Middle English "sissen" (to hiss, buzz, or hum), made from "siss" plus "-le," a suffix showing a repeated action.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/sizzle (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).