Meaning of the word sibilant in English

What does sibilant mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

sibilant

US /ˈsɪb.əl.ənt/

UK /ˈsɪb.əl.ənt/

making or characterized by a hissing sound

Example:

•

The snake made a sibilant sound as it slithered through the grass.

•

Her voice had a slightly sibilant quality, especially when she whispered.

Synonym:

hissing whistling fricative sizzling rustling

a sibilant speech sound

Example:

•

The phonetics class studied various sibilants, such as 's' and 'sh'.

•

He had a slight lisp, which made his 's' sounds come out as soft sibilants.

Synonym:

fricative hissing sound

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