sibilant sound crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "sibilant sound crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HISS: A sharp, continuous consonant sound, often made by snakes or escaping steam, characterized by a distinct 's' or 'sh' quality.
5 Letters
SHUSH: A sibilant sound used to tell someone to be quiet, typically starting with an "sh" sound, which is inherently sibilant.
More About "sibilant sound crossword clue"
The term "sibilant sound" refers to a class of consonant sounds that have a high-frequency hissing or whistling quality. These sounds are produced by forcing air through a narrow channel made by the tongue and teeth, causing turbulence. Common examples in English include the sounds 's' as in "snake," 'z' as in "zebra," 'sh' as in "shoe," and 'ch' as in "church."
In the context of crosswords, clues like "sibilant sound" often point to words that are onomatopoeic – words that imitate the sound they describe. This makes them fun and sometimes challenging, as the solver needs to think about how a particular sound is represented in written language. Understanding the phonetic qualities of such sounds can give you an edge in solving these types of clues.
When you encounter "sibilant sound" in a crossword, consider words that evoke a hissing, buzzing, or whistling noise. The length of the answer is crucial, as words like HISS, SHUSH, SIZZLE, or WHISH all fit the description but vary in length. Always cross-reference with other intersecting clues to confirm your solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Sound: For clues related to sounds, try to vocalize the sound or think of common scenarios where that sound occurs. Is it a sound made by an animal, an object, or an action?
- Consider Onomatopoeia: Many sound-related clues point to onomatopoeic words. Think about words that directly mimic the sound, such as 'buzz,' 'clink,' 'meow,' or in this case, 'hiss' or 'shush.'
- Check Letter Count and Crossings: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. If multiple words fit the description, the intersecting letters from other clues will help you pinpoint the correct answer.
- Think about Synonyms and Related Concepts: Sometimes the clue might not be a direct sound word, but a synonym for something that produces the sound, or a term related to the sound's characteristic.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a sibilant sound?
A sibilant sound is a speech sound characterized by a hissing or whistling quality. It's produced by directing a stream of air through a narrow channel in the vocal tract, typically involving the tongue and teeth, creating turbulence. Common sibilant sounds in English include /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʒ/ (zh), /tʃ/ (ch), and /dʒ/ (j).
Why are sibilant sounds common in crossword clues?
Sibilant sounds are common in crossword clues because they are distinctive and can be represented by short, evocative words. Words like HISS, SHUSH, SIZZLE, and WHISH directly describe these sounds, making them ideal for concise clues. They often appear as onomatopoeic answers, which are popular in crossword puzzles.
Are there other words related to sibilant sounds found in crosswords?
Yes, beyond HISS and SHUSH, you might encounter answers like SIZZLE (6 letters, for the sound of cooking), SWISH (5 letters, for a rapid movement through the air), WHISTLE (7 letters, a high-pitched sibilant sound), or even words describing the act of making such sounds, like 'SIBILE' (a rarer, direct term for being sibilant).