sizzle

[siz-uhl]

verb (used without object)

sizzled, sizzling 

1. to make a hissing sound, as in frying or burning.

   Synonyms: hiss, crackle, spatter, sputter

2. Informal.,  to be very hot.

   It's sizzling out.

3. Informal.,  to be very angry; harbor deep resentment.

   I'm still sizzling over that insult.

verb (used with object)

sizzled, sizzling 

1. to fry or burn with or as if with a hissing sound.

   to sizzle steaks on the grill; The sun sizzles the pavement.

noun

1. a sizzling sound.

sizzle

/ ˈsɪzəl /

verb

1. to make the hissing sound characteristic of frying fat

2. informal,  to be very hot

3. informal,  to be very angry

noun

1. a hissing sound

Other Word Forms

• sizzler noun
• sizzlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sizzle¹

1595–1605; imitative; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of sizzle¹

C17: of imitative origin. Compare siss (now dialect) to hiss, West Frisian size, siizje. See also _fizz and _fizzle

Example Sentences

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra usually kicks back on shows like this, adding some sizzle and arrangement richness but functioning more as another band member.

From Los Angeles Times

No one has more sizzle these days than Kansas City.

From Los Angeles Times

“Buckingham Nicks” is alive with hidden gems, especially Nicks’ sizzling opener “Crying in the Night” and accomplished rock turns in “Long Distance Winner” and “Races Are Run.”

From Salon

Stew beef and mushrooms sizzle in butter and herbs until browned.

From Salon

Friday is forecast to bring more sizzling heat, with temperatures and conditions similar to Thursday when highs hit over 105 degrees in many Los Angeles County valleys and over 110 in some deserts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broil 
• crackle 
• fizzle 
• grill 
• roast 
• sear 
• sputter