sss

Everyday

1. "Sss" is the hissing sound of a snake, written down. tree →
2. It can be the sound of air or steam escaping, or of something sizzling. tree →
3. In phonics, /s/ or "sss" is how teachers say the sound of the letter s. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and comics, "Sss!" shows a snake hissing, which tells the reader it may be angry or warning. In phonics lessons, children learn to say "sss" for s, not "ess". It is also similar to "shh" or "psst", used to get attention quietly. It is a sound, not a real word.

Examples

• "Sssss!" hissed the snake from behind the rock. tree →
• The tyre went "sss" as the air came out. tree →
• Sausages went "sss" in the hot pan. tree →
• In phonics, the letter s says "sss", like a snake. tree →
• "Sss — keep your voice down!" whispered my friend. tree →
• The kettle went "sssss" before it boiled. tree →
• Draw a snake and write "sss" in a speech bubble. tree →

Note

Not a dictionary word but a written sound (onomatopoeia). You can add more s's to make the sound longer. Different from "shh" (be quiet) and "psst" (to catch someone's attention).