hiss

verb

hissed; hissing; hisses

intransitive verb

: to make a sharp sibilant sound
the crowd hissed in disapproval
hissing steam

transitive verb

1
: to express disapproval of by hissing
hissed the performers off the stage
2
: to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss
hiss noun
hisser noun

Examples of hiss in a Sentence

The radiator hissed as it let off steam. The audience hissed him off the stage. “Leave me alone!” he hissed.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At one point during the proceedings, Bryant threatened to clear the courtroom after one spectator hissed in disapproval and several others laughed at Hausmann’s assertion that the city had violated the company’s due process rights. Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025 Warning signs a skunk is ready to spray include jumping, stamping their front feet, arching their back, clicking teeth, and hissing. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2025 On the other hand, when things have gone south, your cats will show aggressive body language or sounds, including flattened ears, a tense body posture, swishing tail, and sounds such as growling, hissing, or screeching. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Make a $15 donation to the Bronx Zoo's Name a Roach fundraiser and the zoo will name a Madagascar hissing cockroach after an ex. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hiss

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of imitative origin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of hiss was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hiss. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hiss

verb
: to make a long sharp sound like that of the speech sound \s\ or that made by an alarmed animal (as a snake or cat) usually as a sign of disapproval
hissed them off the stage
hiss noun
hisser noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hiss

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