sibilant
adjective/noun
Making or characterized by a hissing sound. As a noun, a speech sound characterized by a hissing quality, like "s" or "sh."
Etymology
From Latin "sibilans," present participle of "sibilare" (to hiss, whistle). The word itself contains sibilant sounds, demonstrating its meaning.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The sibilant whisper of wind through the grass was hypnotic."
- 2.
"English has more sibilant sounds than many other languages."
- 3.
"Her sibilant voice cut through the background noise."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Poets use sibilance—repeated "s" sounds—to create specific effects. In Paradise Lost, Milton describes Satan's temptation with heavy sibilance, connecting the serpent to the seductive, hissing sounds.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (S, I, B, I, L, A, N, T)
Scrabble Value: 10 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "SI" at the start of words.
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