Hiss

Pronunciation: /hɪs/

Definitions of hiss

noun a sound resembling a prolonged s

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a hiss coming from the bushes.

A2 The snake let out a loud hiss as a warning.

B1 The hiss of the steam escaping from the pipe could be heard from a distance.

B2 The hiss of the cat made me jump in surprise.

C1 The hiss of the kettle indicated that the water was boiling.

C2 The hiss of the tires on the wet road created a rhythmic sound as we drove through the rain.

verb to make a sharp sibilant sound

Example Sentences

A1 The cat hissed at the dog.

A2 The snake hissed loudly when approached.

B1 The angry customer hissed insults at the manager.

B2 The kettle hissed as it came to a boil.

C1 The tires hissed on the wet pavement as the car skidded to a stop.

C2 The wind hissed through the trees, creating an eerie sound in the forest.

Examples of hiss in a Sentence

formal The snake let out a loud hiss as a warning to stay away.

informal I could hear the cat hiss when I got too close to its food.

slang The angry customer began to hiss insults at the cashier.

figurative The sound of the wind through the trees was like a gentle hiss in the night.

Grammatical Forms of hiss

• past tense: hissed
• plural: hisses
• comparative: more hissing
• superlative: most hissing
• present tense: hisses
• future tense: will hiss
• perfect tense: has hissed
• continuous tense: is hissing
• singular: hiss
• positive degree: hiss
• infinitive: to hiss
• gerund: hissing
• participle: hissing

Origin and Evolution of hiss

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'hiss' originated from the Middle English word 'hissen' which was derived from the Old French word 'hisser' meaning 'to jeer or hoot'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'hiss' evolved to primarily signify the sound made by a snake or a cat, often as a warning or sign of aggression. It is also used to describe the sound of steam or air escaping under pressure.