"Sibilant" refers to a type of sound characterized by a hissing or hushing quality, often produced by certain consonants. Common examples of sibilant sounds include the letters s, z, sh, and ch. These sounds are produced by forcing air through a narrow channel in the vocal tract, creating a high-frequency noise that is easily recognizable. In linguistics, sibilance plays an important role in speech and poetry, as it can enhance the auditory experience. Writers and poets often use sibilant sounds to create rhythm or evoke specific emotions. The presence of sibilance can also affect the clarity and perception of spoken language, making it a significant aspect of phonetics.