# sizzle

/ˈsɪzəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɪzəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sizzle
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

the sound of something cooking in hot oil or the way it makes a loud noise when it hits a pan. It can also describe a person who is very attractive or exciting.

For teachers: the hissing sound produced by food cooking in hot fat or by water hitting a hot surface. In informal contexts, it refers to a person who is sexually attractive or possesses a high level of energy.

## Examples

- The sizzle of the bacon filled the kitchen.
- The chef added the garlic to the pan just as the oil began to sizzle.
- The restaurant was famous for its signature dish, which was served with a dramatic sizzle of butter over the open flame to the delight of the diners.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.