hisses

IPA/hɪs/
KK[hˈɪsɪz]IPA/hɪs/

hisses — verb

  • hissespresent simple I / you / we / they
  • hisseses3rd person singular
  • hissesing-ing form
  • hissesedpast simple

1. to produce a long, sharp sound like the letter s, made by forcing air through a

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to produce a long, sharp sound like the letter s, made by forcing air through a narrow opening. Snakes, cats, steam, gas, and some machines can make this sound.

Example

A dark snake hissed at Niran when he stepped too close to the bushes.

hiss + at + [animate target]

Steam hissed from the kettle as water boiled over onto the hot metal.

hiss + from + [source] for escaping gas/steam

Common collocations
  • hiss at
  • hiss from
  • hiss loudly
  • hiss softly
  • snake hisses
  • steam hisses
  • kettle hisses
  • radiator hisses
Synonyms
  • fizz

    describes a lighter, bubbling hiss of carbonated liquid or frying — less threatening than hiss

  • sizzle

    hotter, wetter sound like food cooking in oil; stronger heat association

  • whistle

    higher-pitched and more musical than a hiss; usually made by forced air through a narrow opening

Grammar Patterns

[animate/inanimate subject] + hisses

hiss at + [noun]

Usage Note

Intransitive only — you cannot 'hiss something' in this sense. The subject is usually an animal (snake, cat, goose), a machine (radiator, kettle, tyre), or a substance (steam, gas, air).

Common Mistakes

The snake hissed me when I came close.
The snake hissed at me when I came close.
'hiss at' requires the preposition 'at' for the target.
The snake buzzed loudly.
The snake hissed loudly.
'buzz' is a lower, vibrating sound (like a bee); 'hiss' is a high s-like sound.

2. when a person speaks in a low, furious tone — often through tightly shut teeth —

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

when a person speaks in a low, furious tone — often through tightly shut teeth — the words come out sounding like a long s. Even though the voice is barely above a whisper, the listener can clearly hear the anger or threat.

Example

"Get out of my room," Diego hissed at his younger brother.

direct speech + hissed + at + [person]

Lan hissed something angry to Megumi during the meeting when the manager made the announcement.

hiss + [something] — transitive with object

Common collocations
  • hiss angrily
  • hiss a warning
  • hiss a reply
  • hiss under one's breath
  • hiss at someone
Synonyms
  • whisper

    also quiet but lacks the anger or threat; can be kind or neutral

  • mutter

    quieter, less distinct, often to oneself; less aggressive than hiss

  • snarl

    more aggressive and growling; often with bared teeth or visible anger

Antonyms
  • shout

    loud, not quiet — opposite volume but same emotion

  • whisper sweetly

    quiet but affectionate, opposite tone

Grammar Patterns

hiss + direct speech

hiss + at + [person]

hiss + [noun phrase]

Usage Note

Frequently used to introduce quoted speech in narrative writing: '"X," [person] hissed.' The direct speech is typically short — a command, threat, or angry question. Distinguish from sense 1 (MAKE S-SOUND): sense 2 always involves human speech with angry intent, not a physical sound.

Common Mistakes

I am very disappointed," Elena hissed politely.
I am very disappointed," Elena said quietly.
'hiss' implies anger or threat, not polite quiet speech.
Come here," the snake hissed.
The snake hissed at the intruder.
Animals do not speak; use sense 1 for animal sounds.

3. to make a hissing sound as part of a crowd to show that you dislike or disagree

3.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to make a hissing sound as part of a crowd to show that you dislike or disagree with a performer, speaker, or decision at a live event.

Example

The audience hissed when the actor forgot his lines for the third time.

subject: audience/crowd + hissed — crowd disapproval

Some spectators hissed at the referee after the controversial final decision.

Common collocations
  • audience hisses
  • crowd hisses
  • hiss at the performer
  • hiss and boo
  • hiss off stage
Synonyms
  • boo

    a louder, lower-pitched expression of strong disapproval; more common at sports events

  • jeer

    includes shouted words or mockery, not just a sound

  • catcall

    usually a loud whistle or comment, often disrespectful; more specific to street harassment or audience disruption

Antonyms
  • applaud

    clapping hands to show approval — opposite meaning in same context

  • cheer

    shout with joy or approval

Grammar Patterns

audience + hisses

hiss + at + [person/performance]

hiss + [person] + off stage

Usage Note

Often used together with 'boo' (hiss and boo). This sense is specific to live public settings — theatre, political rallies, sports events. The object is the person or performance being protested.

Common Mistakes

The audience hissed the bad movie.
The audience hissed at the bad movie.
In this sense, 'at' is needed when the target follows the verb.
Elena hissed at the waiter because the food was cold.
Elena complained quietly about the cold food.
'Hiss' for disapproval typically describes a crowd sound at a public event, not one person complaining in a private setting.

hisses — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe continuous sounds made by air or movement, but they differ in quality and context. 'Hiss' (the target sense) is a sharp, s-like sound made when air is forced through a narrow opening — the classic sound of a snake, leaking tyre, or steam. 'Fizz' is lighter and more bubbly, like a carbonated drink or a sparkler burning out — thinner and more cheerful than a hiss. 'Sizzle' adds heat and moisture: food cooking in oil or water hitting a hot pan. 'Whistle' is higher-pitched and more musical, a clear tone rather than a broad sibilant noise — think of a teakettle or a wind instrument. 'Buzz' is lower and vibrating, like a bee or a phone on silent mode. A snake hisses; a soda fizzes; bacon sizzles; the wind whistles; a fly buzzes. Choose based on the source and quality of the sound.

fizz ↗sizzle ↗whistle ↗buzz ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • hiss and boo
  • under one's breath

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'hiss' comes from Old English 'hysian' (to hiss), which imitates the sound itself — it is onomatopoeic. Similar words exist in many other languages: German 'zischen', Dutch 'sissen', French 'siffler' (to whistle/ hiss), showing that people across cultures created a word that sounds like the noise a snake or steam makes.

First known use

14th century

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense