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

Example Sentences

So how is it that some psychopaths sibilate their way through life as liver-chomping, chianti-swilling monsters, while others are high achievers?

From Salon

And when I walk amid the foliage of these autumn days, it begins to quarrel with an excitable sibilating duck: “It’s rabbit season!”

From New York Times

No papers were asked for either at the Customs' station, some hundred yards farther on; but the Carabineros looked upon me as a lunatic, and significantly sibilated.

From Project Gutenberg

And there he sits, meditating over Carlyle’s crepitating fire and Rousseau’s writhing, sibilating flame.

From Project Gutenberg

"Answer me!" sibilated the stranger, his brows darkening beneath the wide brim of the hat, and a gleam of fire showing in his eyes.

From Project Gutenberg