sizzle

American  

[siz-uhl] / ˈsɪz əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈsɪzəl /

verb

1. to make the hissing sound characteristic of frying fat

2. informal to be very hot

3. informal to be very angry

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noun

1. a hissing sound

Other Word Forms

• sizzler noun
• sizzlingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sizzle

1595–1605; imitative; -le

Example Sentences

Let them sizzle lightly in the fat before the crumbs go in; that’s how the spices bloom.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

Still, in the wake of adaptations such as 2012’s “Anna Karenina,” with Keira Knightley, and 2013’s “The Great Gatsby,” with Leonardo DiCaprio, that were all sizzle and flash, “Wuthering Heights” is a worthy throwback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Both the 2024 and 2025 games had the benefit of the pop culture sizzle generated by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s romance with pop superstar Taylor Swift, bringing in more casual fans.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Later, the sound of the lake's waves lapping against the side of Luzardo's house competes with the sizzle of hot oil.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

In the background the news is playing, and the sizzle of something cooking in the kitchen perfumes the entire house.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Related Words

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