What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sizzling
Example
The bacon was sizzling in the pan. [sizzling: verb]
Example
The sizzling heat made it hard to concentrate. [sizzling: adjective]
hissing
Example
The steam was hissing out of the kettle. [hissing: verb]
Example
The snake was hissing loudly, warning us to stay away. [hissing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hissing is more commonly used than sizzling in everyday language. Hissing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sizzling is less common and is mostly used in the context of food or cooking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sizzling and hissing?
Both sizzling and hissing are informal words and are appropriate for casual conversation or writing.
