sizzle

/ˈsɪzəl/

Etymology

Probably a derivative of Middle English sissen (“to hiss; buzz; hum”), equivalent to siss + -le (frequentative suffix).

noun

  1. The sound of water boiling on a hot surface.“We heard the sizzle of the onions hitting the pan.”
  2. The process of being cooked which involves that sound.“Give them a sizzle for a few more minutes before serving.”
  3. Zing, zip, or pizazz; excitement.“Her performance had a lot of sizzle.”

verb

  1. To make the sound of water boiling on a hot surface.“The sausages were sizzling on the barbecue.”
  2. To cook (something) in a manner which causes that sound.“I sizzled the bacon for a few minutes in the pan.”
  3. To be exciting or dazzling.“The song sizzled with energy.”