Word Noun
hiss
n.
countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈhɪs/ UK /hˈɪs/ hiss UK spelling hissed, hisses, hissing
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.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'give' or 'let out'.
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated