Hiss — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈhis/

Meaning & Definition of Hiss

Hiss (verb)

  1. to make a sharp sibilant sound
  2. to express disapproval of by hissing
  3. to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss

Hiss (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out

    "the hiss of air escaping from a balloon"

    similar: fizz, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz
    related: swoosh, wheeze, whistle, whoosh, zip, sibilance, sibilant

  2. a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval

    "there was a chorus of boos and hisses from the fans when the umpire called the runner out"

    similar: bird (chiefly British), boo, Bronx cheer, catcall, hoot, jeer, raspberry, razz, snort
    related: smirk, sneer, snicker, snigger, gibe, put-down, taunt, whistle
    opposite: cheer
    near: applause, clapping

Hiss (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\

    "the frightened kitten hissed at us when we tried to pick it up"

    similar: fizz, fizzle, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz
    related: swoosh, wheeze, whistle, whoosh, zip, bubble, effervesce, buzz, drone, hum

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hiss

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hiss:

Chiefly British: bird
fizz, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz, boo, Bronx cheer, catcall, hoot, jeer, raspberry, razz, snort, fizzle

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hiss

Words with the opposite meaning of Hiss:

cheer

Related Words for Hiss

swoosh, wheeze, whistle, whoosh, zip, sibilance, sibilant, smirk, sneer, snicker, snigger, gibe, put-down, taunt, bubble, effervesce, buzz, drone, hum

Near Antonyms of Hiss

applause, clapping

Word Forms of Hiss

Inflections: hissed, hissing, hisses

Derived words: hiss (noun), hisser (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Hiss

Middle English, of imitative origin

First known use: 14th centuryi

Frequently Asked Questions about Hiss

What does "Hiss" mean?

"Hiss" means to make a sharp sibilant sound. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to make a sharp sibilant sound. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Hiss"?

Other words for "Hiss" include fizz, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz, bird, boo and Bronx cheer. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hiss" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hiss"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hiss". Common alternatives include fizz, sizzle, swish, whish, whiz, bird, boo, Bronx cheer, catcall and hoot.

What is the opposite of "Hiss"?

Antonyms of "Hiss" include cheer. Near antonyms include applause and clapping.

How do you use "Hiss" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hiss" in a sentence: "the hiss of air escaping from a balloon"; "there was a chorus of boos and hisses from the fans when the umpire called the runner out"; "the frightened kitten hissed at us when we tried to pick it up".

Is "Hiss" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hiss" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Hiss"?

"Hiss" is pronounced /ˈhis/.

What is the origin of the word "Hiss"?

"Hiss" comes from Middle English, of imitative origin. First known use: 14th centuryi.