fizz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal
Quick answer
What does “fizz” mean?
A hissing or bubbling sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hissing or bubbling sound; effervescence.
Something that is lively, exciting, or full of energy; a carbonated drink, especially champagne.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'fizz' similarly. 'Fizz' as a verb for energetic movement might be slightly more common in UK informal contexts (e.g., 'fizzing about').
Connotations
Largely identical. Positive connotations of energy, celebration, and refreshment.
Frequency
Comparatively common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “fizz” in a Sentence
Something fizzesFizz with (emotion/energy)The fizz of (something)Add fizz to (something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fizz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Alka-Seltzer tablet began to fizz vigorously in the glass.
- The fireworks fizzed across the night sky.
American English
- The soda can fizzed when I opened it.
- Her anger fizzed just beneath the surface.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare; not standard usage.)
American English
- (Extremely rare; not standard usage.)
adjective
British English
- It was a proper fizz drink, not flat lemonade.
- He has a very fizz personality.
American English
- We need a fizz beverage for the party.
- (Adjectival use is rare; 'fizzy' is preferred.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'The new campaign needs more fizz to capture the market.'
Academic
Very rare, except in specific scientific contexts describing chemical reactions or acoustics.
Everyday
Common: describing drinks, sounds, and energetic feelings.
Technical
Used in chemistry for effervescent reactions and in audio engineering for describing certain types of noise.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fizz”
- Using 'fizz' to describe a loud roar or bang. Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a fizz' is unusual). Overusing the metaphorical sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal and onomatopoeic. Its use in formal writing is limited to metaphorical or specific technical descriptions.
'Fizz' implies many small bubbles (soda, champagne). 'Hiss' is a steady, often sharp sound like air escaping or a snake. 'Sizzle' is associated with frying, usually involving heat and fat.
Yes, commonly: 'The drink fizzed,' or metaphorically 'She was fizzing with anger.'
It's an informal phrasal verb meaning to gradually lose energy or intensity and end unsuccessfully, like a firework that fails to explode properly.
A hissing or bubbling sound.
Fizz: in British English it is pronounced /fɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fizz and bubble”
- “full of fizz”
- “fizz out (to lose energy or fail)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word 'fizz' sounds like the noise bubbles make when escaping from a freshly opened bottle.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY / EXCITEMENT IS EFFERVESCENCE (e.g., 'She was fizzing with ideas').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'fizz' MOST appropriate?