First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
hiss
verb \ˈhis\
: to produce a sound like a long “s” : to make a hiss
: to show that you dislike or disapprove of someone (such as a performer or speaker) by making a hiss
: to say (something) in a loud or angry whisper
Full Definition of HISS
intransitive verb
: to make a sharp sibilant sound <the crowd hissed in disapproval> <hissing steam>
transitive verb
1
: to express disapproval of by hissing <hissed the performers off the stage>
2
: to utter or whisper angrily or threateningly and with a hiss
— hiss noun
— hiss·er noun
See hiss defined for English-language learners
See hiss defined for kids
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Origin of HISS
Middle English, of imitative origin
HISS Defined for Kids
1hiss
verb \ˈhis\
hissedhiss·ing
Definition of HISS for Kids
1
: to make a sound like a long \s\ <The creature hissed and hot flame shot from its mouth. — Mary Pope Osborne, Christmas in Camelot>
2
: to show dislike or disapproval by hissing
3
: to say (something) in a loud or angry whisper <“Keep your voice down!” he hissed.>
2hiss
noun
Definition of HISS for Kids
: a sound like a long \s\ sometimes used as a sign of dislike or disapproval <the hiss of steam> <The hiss from the audience became louder.>
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