hissing
[ his-ing ]
/ ˈhɪs ɪŋ /
noun
Words nearby hissing
Definition for hissing (2 of 2)
hiss
[ his ]
/ hɪs /
verb (used without object)
to make or emit a sharp sound like that of the letter s prolonged, as a snake does, or as steam does when forced under pressure through a small opening.
to express disapproval or contempt by making this sound: The audience hissed when the actor forgot his lines.
verb (used with object)
to express disapproval of by hissing: The audience hissed the controversial play.
to silence or drive away by hissing (usually followed by away, down, etc.): They hissed down the author when he tried to speak.
to utter with a hiss.
noun
a hissing sound, especially one made in disapproval.
Origin of hiss
1350–1400; Middle English
hissen; probably imitative; compare Old English
hyscan to jeer at, rail (derivative of
husc jeering; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German
hosc)
OTHER WORDS FROM hiss
hiss·er, noun hiss·ing·ly, adverb out·hiss, verb (used with object) un·hissed, adjectiveExample sentences from the Web for hissing
British Dictionary definitions for hissing (1 of 2)
hiss
/ (hɪs) /
noun
a voiceless fricative sound like that of a prolonged s
such a sound uttered as an exclamation of derision, contempt, etc, esp by an audience or crowd
electronics
receiver noise with a continuous spectrum, caused by thermal agitation, shot noise, etc
interjection
an exclamation of derision or disapproval
verb
Derived forms of hiss
hisser, nounWord Origin for hiss
C14: of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for hissing (2 of 2)
Hiss
/ (hɪs) /
noun
Alger. 1904–96, US government official: imprisoned (1950–54) for perjury in connection with alleged espionage activities