Fricatives are consonant sounds produced by forcing air through a narrow constriction in the vocal tract, creating friction and a hissing or buzzing noise. Examples include /f/, /v/, /s/, /z/, /ʃ/ (shoe), /ʒ/ (measure), and /h/. Plosives involve a complete closure and sudden release of air (e.g. /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/).