sibilant

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a consonant characterized by a hissing sound (like s or sh)
adjective of speech sounds produced by forcing air through a constricted passage (as `f', `s', `z', or `th' in both `thin' and `then')

From Latin sībilāns, present active participle of sībilō (“to hiss”).

The voice, low and sibilant, emerged from the candle-white face. — Peter the Brazen: A Mystery Story of Modern China, George F. (George Frank) Worts
It was not our Story Girl who sat there, telling that weird tale in a sibilant, curdling voice. — The Story Girl, L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Raynor had told him that only a few of the Lhari had that characteristic sibilant "r" and "s" and warned him against trying to imitate it. — The Colors of Space, Marion Zimmer Bradley

sibilant consonant

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