Sibilance
/ˈsɪb.ɪ.ləns/noun
The sound of hissing or buzzing, often used in poetry and speech.
Did you know?The term 'sibilance' is derived from a Latin word that relates to the sounds made by snakes, linking it to the ancient symbolism of danger and enchantment.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
sibilare
“to hiss or whistle.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
sibilantia
“the act of hissing.”
Middle English
Middle English
sibilance
“a sound characterized by hissing.”
Modern English
English
sibilance
“the quality of producing a hissing sound, especially in speech.”
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