Hiss vs. Onomatopoeia — What's the Difference?

A sharp sibilant sound similar to a sustained s.

Onomatopoeia (also onomatopeia in American English), is the process of creating a word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes. Such a word itself is also called an onomatopoeia.

An expression of disapproval, contempt, or dissatisfaction conveyed by use of this sound.

The formation or use of words such as buzz or murmur that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.

To make a hiss

(uncountable) The property of a word of sounding like what it represents.

To utter with a hiss.

(countable) A word that sounds like what it represents, such as "gurgle," "stutter," or "hiss".

To express (a negative view or reaction) by uttering a hiss

(countable) A word that appropriates a sound for another sensation or a perceived nature, such as "thud", "beep", or "meow"; an ideophone, phenomime.

A sibilant sound, such as that made by a snake or escaping steam; an unvoiced fricative.

The use of language whose sound imitates that which it names.

An expression of disapproval made using such a sound.

The formation of words in imitation of sounds; a figure of speech in which the sound of a word is imitative of the sound of the thing which the word represents; as, the buzz of bees; the hiss of a goose; the crackle of fire.

(intransitive) To make a hissing sound.

Using words that imitate the sound they denote

(transitive) To call someone by hissing.

To condemn or express contempt (for someone or something) by hissing.

(transitive) To utter (something) with a hissing sound.

(intransitive) To move with a hissing sound.

(transitive) To emit or eject (something) with a hissing sound.

(transitive) To whisper, especially angrily or urgently.

To make with the mouth a prolonged sound like that of the letter s, by driving the breath between the tongue and the teeth; to make with the mouth a sound like that made by a goose or a snake when angered; esp., to make such a sound as an expression of hatred, passion, or disapproval.

To make a similar noise by any means; to pass with a sibilant sound; as, the arrow hissed as it flew.

To condemn or express contempt for by hissing.

To utter with a hissing sound.

A prolonged sound like that letter s, made by forcing out the breath between the tongue and teeth, esp. as a token of disapprobation or contempt.

Any sound resembling that above described

The note of a goose when irritated.

A fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval);

A cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt

Make a sharp hissing sound, as if to show disapproval

Move with a whooshing sound

Express or utter with a hiss

Show displeasure, as after a performance or speech