What does hiss mean?
To hiss is to produce a prolonged, sharp sound with the letter s, as a kettle, radiator, or leaking pipe may do. The sound can suggest escaping steam, pressure, danger, or irritation. People also hiss when they speak through their teeth in a way that expresses anger, contempt, or hostility, so the word often carries a note of disapproval. As a noun, a hiss is the sound itself or an utterance of this kind. The word is common in British and American English and appears in both literal and figurative expressions. In the Bible and in older literature, hissing is also frequently associated with serpents and the sound they make. Today, hiss remains especially useful for describing the distinctive noise of steam or a leak, while also describing the tense, hostile sound of a person expressing displeasure.
A prolonged, sharp, sibilant sound, especially that made by escaping steam or gas; also an angry or contemptuous vocalization.
"A sharp hiss came from the overheated pipe."
The noun can refer to a physical sound or to a hostile form of speech.
To make a prolonged, sharp, sibilant sound; to speak with an angry, contemptuous, or threatening vocalization.
"The snake hissed as the intruder approached."
In figurative use, the verb commonly implies anger, contempt, warning, or hostility.
The plural is used for separate instances of the sound or for hostile vocalizations directed at someone.
"The audience responded to the announcement with jeers and hisses."
A hiss can mean a leaking pipe, a warning, or a person’s contempt—one sound carrying both mechanical noise and human displeasure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hiss
The word “hiss” is of imitative origin, formed to represent a sharp, sustained sibilant sound. It has been used in English since the early modern period for both mechanical noises and threatening vocalizations. The spelling and pronunciation reflect the auditory effect of air or voices passing through a narrow opening, rather than a known shared root or established family of cognates.
Related word forms
How hiss is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. Figuratively, it can describe a warning, suppressed anger, or open contempt; “hiss at someone” often suggests a threatening or insulting manner.
Easily confused with hiss
A hiss is a sustained sharp sound, whereas a hush is an interval or command for silence.