sizzle

Etymology

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

verb

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

noun

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