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Sibilance: meaning, definitions and examples

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sibilance

 

[ ˈsɪbɪləns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sound feature

Sibilance refers to a hissing or hushing sound often produced by consonants like 's', 'sh', 'z', and 'zh'. It is commonly used in poetry and literature to create a specific auditory effect or mood. This sound feature can enhance the musical quality of writing and speech.

Synonyms

hissing, hush, whistling.

Examples of usage

  • The sibilance in her voice added a sensual quality to the poem.
  • He noticed the sibilance of the waves crashing against the shore.
  • The music featured prominent sibilance, making it soothing to the ears.
  • Her speech contained sibilance that drew the audience's attention.

Etymology

The term 'sibilance' originates from the Latin word 'sibilare,' meaning 'to hiss.' This Latin root reflects the sound characteristics associated with the word. The usage of 'sibilance' in English dates back to the 19th century, where it was used in the context of sound studies and literature. Over time, it has expanded beyond literary analysis to include discussions in linguistics, music, and audio engineering, where the control of sibilance is important for achieving clarity and quality in spoken and recorded sound. Because many languages contain sibilant sounds, the concept of sibilance is relevant across cultures, contributing to its ongoing significance in various forms of art and communication.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,651, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.