ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hiss

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɪs// UK //hˈɪs// hiss

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

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

© 2026 English Reference