hiss

//hɪs//
B1Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of hiss

Verb

hissInfinitive
hissPresent tense
hissedPast tense
hissedPast participle
hissingPresent participle
hissesThird-person singular
1

To make a sharp sibilant sound like that of the letter 's', typically as a sign of disapproval or anger.

The audience hissed at the unpopular speaker.

2

To express disapproval or contempt by making such a sound.

The audience hissed at the politician's speech.

3

(of something such as a snake, steam, or gas) To produce a prolonged 's' sound.

The steam hissed as it escaped from the kettle.

Noun

hissSingular
hissesPlural
1

A sharp sibilant sound resembling the letter 's'.

We heard a hiss of steam escaping from the pipe.

2

An expression of disapproval or contempt made by producing such a sound.

The politician's speech was met with hisses from the crowd.

Synonym