Sibilant
adjective
Sounds that are characterized by a hissing sound.
The spoken 's' in 'sea' is a sibilant sound.
Often appears as...
- sibilant hiss
- sibilant sound
noun
A speech sound that is hissing, like 's' or 'sh'.
The letters 's' and 'sh' are often used in English to denote a sibilant.
Often appears as...
- sibilant consonant
- voiceless sibilant
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Sounds that are characterized by a hissing sound.
The spoken 's' in 'sea' is a sibilant sound.
Often appears as...
- sibilant hiss
- sibilant sound
noun
A speech sound that is hissing, like 's' or 'sh'.
The letters 's' and 'sh' are often used in English to denote a sibilant.
Often appears as...
- sibilant consonant
- voiceless sibilant
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Poetic Device
Sibilant sounds can add rhythm or mood to poetry, making the text more vivid or intense.
The sibilant whispers of the wind created a soothing rhythm.
Pro Tip 2/3Speech Clarity
Excessive sibilants can lead to a hissing effect in speech, affecting the speaker's clarity.
His speech was marred by a sibilant hiss that distracted the audience.
Pro Tip 3/3Atmospheric Narration
Using sibilant sounds in storytelling can create an eerie or suspenseful atmosphere.
The sibilant sound of the serpent slithering in the grass sent shivers down my spine.
Compare with
fizzhissraspserpentinesizzleswishwheezewhistle
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Quote examples
Christine Baranski
American Actress
The sibilant s is the most difficult sound to correct.
Quote examples
Christine Baranski
American Actress
The sibilant s is the most difficult sound to correct.
Example 1 of 1
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