sizzle

[ siz-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, siz·zled, siz·zling.

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)

, siz·zled, siz·zling.

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 Words From

• sizzler noun
• sizzling·ly 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 football world was anxiously awaiting a sizzling appearance from one of the NFL’s hottest and most exciting teams … and they took a pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Following her sizzling start, Takahashi had only one more birdie the rest of the way and finished third with a four-over-par 76.

From Los Angeles Times

Besides her duties in the kitchen, where onions and meatballs were sizzling on the stovetop on a recent Wednesday, Darby is also on a team focused on mental health advocacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Steam rises from snack stands selling noodles and sizzled octopus on sticks on the Chinese side.

From BBC

Miso Robotics has a lot riding on its ability to convince fast-food chains to incorporate Flippy — a robotic arm that drops fryer baskets into sizzling oil — into their kitchens.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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