English Reference

Word

hiss

US/ˈhɪs/

UK/hˈɪs/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a sharp sound like a long 's' that people or animals make. You might hear it from a snake, a cat, or steam escaping from a pipe.

n. a sharp, sibilant sound produced by the forced passage of breath through a narrow opening. Often associated with the vocalisation of snakes or the escape of pressurised gas.

Examples

“The cat gave a loud hiss when the dog approached.”

“A steady hiss from the radiator suggested that a small amount of steam was escaping through a leak.”

“The audience's initial silence soon gave way to a low hiss of disapproval as the controversial speaker took the stage to defend his latest policy proposal.”

Examples

simple

“The cat gave a loud hiss when the dog approached.”

contextual

“A steady hiss from the radiator suggested that a small amount of steam was escaping through a leak.”

complex

“The audience's initial silence soon gave way to a low hiss of disapproval as the controversial speaker took the stage to defend his latest policy proposal.”

Usage

Often used with the verb 'give' or 'let out'.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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