noun / verb
hiss
HIS/hɪs/
A sharp s-like sound, or making that sound.
A sharp hiss escapes with the steam from the pressure cooker's valve.
Etymology
Hiss was formed by imitating the noise itself: its prolonged s sound resembles escaping steam or a snake’s warning sound.
In context
how do snakes hiss if they don't have front teeth
More examples
- Steam hisses from the valve as the kettle heats up.
- A faint hiss comes from the radio between stations.
- Several people hiss when the speaker insults the crowd.
Forms
hiss · hisses · hissed · hissing