Etymology
Origin of hissing
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at hiss, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On “Situation,” the hissing hi-hat hinted at on earlier tracks becomes explicit and the rhythm is officially disco, though with a twangy urban cowboy version of the beat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026
A slow, steady hissing noise comes from the table, similar to air leaking from a tire.
From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2025
Pugh said he heard hissing before the explosion and then a roaring sound similar to a freight train that lasted for about 30 minutes.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025
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?”
From Salon • May 29, 2025
He slashed back and forth, destroying the demons one after the other while Small Bob the kitten sat on his shoulder, arching his back and hissing.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
