sibilate

[ sib-uh-leyt ]

verb (used without object)

, sib·i·lat·ed, sib·i·lat·ing.

1. to hiss.

verb (used with object)

, sib·i·lat·ed, sib·i·lat·ing.

1. to utter or pronounce with a hissing sound.

sibilate

/ ˈsɪbɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to pronounce or utter (words or speech) with a hissing sound

Derived Forms

• ˌsibiˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• sibi·lation noun
• sibi·lator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibilate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin sībilātus (past participle of sībilāre “to hiss”); sibilant, -ate ¹