1. having a hissing sound
Usage: phonetics

1. a speech sound characterized by a hissing effect, such as s, z, sh, or zh
Usage: phonetics; linguistics

Examples

• The snake made a sibilant sound as it moved through the grass.
• Her sibilant whisper could barely be heard across the room.
• The letter ‘s’ is a common sibilant in English.
• Sibilant consonants are produced by forcing air through a narrow channel.
• The wind created a sibilant noise as it passed through the trees.
• Speech therapists often work with children who have trouble pronouncing sibilants.
• The sibilant quality of his voice made him perfect for radio work.