Meaning & use

whimper

verb·Everyday

To make a series of low, weak, whining sounds expressing pain, fear, or distress.

See it in a sentence

The puppy whimpered quietly until someone finally opened the door to let it in.

She heard a faint whimper coming from behind the shed and went to investigate.

A note on using this word

Whimper suggests a soft, restrained sound, weaker than a cry or wail, often used for children or animals in mild distress.

Words with a similar meaning

whinesnifflemoan

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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