sibilance

[ sib-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. a hissing quality of sound, or the hissing sound itself:

   I stretched out comfortably in my sleeping bag, peering up at the stars and listening to the ocean's gentle sibilance.

   The older, poorer quality recordings had more than a hint of sibilance.

Other Words From

• non·sib·i·lance noun
• sub·sib·i·lance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sibilance¹

First recorded in 1800–10; sibil(ant) ( def ) + -ance ( def )

Example Sentences

Similarly, on “JumpOutTheHouse,” he delivers the titular refrain by accentuating the sibilance in the word “house” so that it sounds like the word is cleaving the air as it gets pulled down to earth.

From Washington Post

The EQ has improved refinement, though it’s still the usual curve that lifts the bass and treble, and highs can sometimes give off more sibilance than I’d prefer.

From The Verge

One of the trombonists folded tin foil across the bell of his horn, creating a restless sibilance underneath the crystal tones and rough growls of his bandmates.

From New York Times

Marciano has long been carrying the frame for lyrically loaded, East Coast Mafioso rap: grime and crime rhymes over throwback, soul-sampling beats, all with his distinct sibilance.

From Washington Post

“If I had,” this dainty woman says mildly, with a faintly Teutonic sibilance, “I would be getting out of prison right about now.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• catcall
• hoot