Hissing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Hissing is the sharp, prolonged sound made by forcing air through a narrow opening, like a snake’s warning or steam escaping. It often conveys anger, disapproval, or danger.
Definition:
Making a sharp sibilant sound, like a snake or escaping steam.
Synonyms:
sizzling, whistling, buzzing, fizzing
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
silence, murmuring
Common Collocations:
hissing sound, hissing noise, hissing steam, hissing serpent
Derivatives:
hiss, hissed
Usage Tips:
Use "hissing" to describe sharp sounds made by snakes or pressurized air; avoid for softer noises like whispers.
Common Phrases:
hissing and booing, the sound of hissing steam, like a hissing snake
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "hyscan," meaning to mock or jeer; later associated with the sound of snakes or steam.
Examples:
- 1. The cat arched its back at the hissing snake.
- 2. The kettle emitted a loud hissing noise as it boiled.
- 3. She heard a faint hissing from the leaking tire.
- 4. The audience responded with angry hissing and booing.