hissing

[his-ing]

noun

1. the act of emitting a hiss.

2. the sound of a hiss.

3. Archaic.,  an occasion or object of scorn.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hissing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; hiss, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Pugh said he heard hissing before the explosion and then a roaring sound similar to a freight train that lasted for about 30 minutes.

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The signs inform hikers that the shelter at the summit won’t protect them and advises them to descend “immediately” if they see dark clouds or hear “hissing in the air.”

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Yet that allegiance puts it uncomfortably close to hissing, “Look what you made me do.”

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Those voters are the equivalent of Robin Williams imitating a six-year-old sticking their tongue out and hissing, “I know you are but what am I?”

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The Madagascar hissing cockroach robot doesn't just perfectly mimic the attributes that allow cockroaches to withstand radiation and poisonous air: it is a real life animal, and it is also a mechanical creature controlled remotely.

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