How to Pronounce Hiss

To pronounce "hiss", say HISS — one syllable, IPA /hɪs/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

hiss

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/hɪs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hiss”

"hiss" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with abyss and dismiss, if that helps it stick.

What does hiss mean?

noun

  1. A sibilant sound, such as that made by a snake or escaping steam; an unvoiced fricative.
  2. An expression of disapproval made using such a sound.

verb

  1. To make a hissing sound.

    “As I started to poke it, the snake hissed at me.”

  2. To condemn or express contempt (for someone or something) by hissing.

    “The crowd booed and hissed her off the stage.”

Hear “hiss” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with hiss

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

abyssdismissmissblissremissamisskissreminiscedisvisdissthis

Related words

sisssibilatehootboowhooshsnortsizzbird

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hiss"?▾

"Hiss" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "hiss"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hiss" is /hɪs/.

What does "hiss" mean?▾

Hiss: A sibilant sound, such as that made by a snake or escaping steam; an unvoiced fricative.

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