Whimper: meaning, definitions and examples

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whimper

[ˈwɪmpər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

sound

To whimper is to make low, feeble sounds, especially when expressing pain or dissatisfaction.

Synonyms

mewl, moan, whine, whinge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whimper	Whimpering is a soft, low, and often pained or frightened sound made by someone or an animal. It typically suggests vulnerability or fear. The puppy started to whimper when it was separated from its mother She whimpered in the dark after hearing the loud noise
whine	Whining is a high-pitched, often irritating sound expressing dissatisfaction, discomfort, or complaint. It can be used both negatively and neutrally. The child began to whine when they didn't get the candy The dog whined at the door, wanting to go out
moan	Moaning is a louder, more prolonged sound usually expressing pain, suffering, or sometimes pleasure. It can also represent boredom or frustration. He moaned in pain after falling She moaned about her boring job
whinge	Whinge is mainly British and Australian English. It means to complain persistently in an annoying way. It generally carries a negative connotation. He's always whinging about the weather She whinged non-stop about her workload
mewl	Mewling refers to a high-pitched, weak cry, similar to the sound a kitten makes. It's often associated with very young children or animals. The newborn baby mewled in its crib The kitten mewled for its mother

Examples of usage

The puppy whimpered softly as it waited for its owner to come back.
She whimpered in pain as the nurse cleaned her wound.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotion

A whimper is a low, soft sound that expresses sadness, fear, or complaint.

Synonyms

mewl, moan, sob, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
whimper	This word is best used when describing a quiet, nervous, or weak crying sound typically associated with fear or pain, often emitted by animals or small children. The puppy began to whimper softly when it was left alone
whine	Whining implies a high-pitched, complaining tone, usually persistent and annoying. It often has a negative connotation. The child continued to whine about wanting more candy
mewl	This term is mostly used to describe the high-pitched, soft crying sound of a young child or animal, similar to a kitten's cry. The baby started to mewl when she was hungry
moan	Moaning is a long, low sound of pain, discomfort, or pleasure. It's often used to describe the sound made by someone in distress or experiencing something intense. She let out a moan of pain after tripping over the rock
sob	Sobbing refers to crying in a noisy, convulsive manner, often associated with deep emotional pain or sadness. He began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the bad news

Examples of usage

The child's whimper could be heard from the next room.
She let out a whimper of fear when she saw the shadow in the dark.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originating from Middle English 'whimperen,' which meant to cry softly or make a whimpering sound.
This word is related to Old English 'hwimrian,' which means to stir or ripple.
The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, demonstrating long-standing associations with soft crying or moaning.

Sounds in Nature

Many animals, including dogs and cats, whimper to communicate discomfort, fear, or a need for attention.
In the wild, softer sounds like whimpers can help animals express vulnerability without attracting too much attention from predators.
Whimpering can also be a social bonding signal among some species, indicating submission or a desire for companionship.

Psychology

Whimpering can be an involuntary response triggered by fear or anxiety, showcasing the body's instinctive reactions to stress.
Studies suggest that whimpering in infants may elicit nurturing responses from caregivers, fulfilling a biological need for comfort and safety.
This sound is sometimes linked to a 'crying' response in adults, reflecting deeper emotional states like sadness or grief.

Pop Culture

In films and literature, characters who whimper often portray vulnerability, evoking sympathy or empathy from the audience.
Whimpering sounds are frequently used in horror movies to signal impending danger or escalating tension.
Animated films often use exaggerated whimpering to enhance comedic moments, highlighting characters' clumsiness or misfortune.

Literature

Whimpering is often depicted in poetry and prose to convey deeper emotional layers, symbolizing struggle or inner conflict.
Authors frequently use whimpering as a device to create tension, illustrating the fragility of their characters in difficult situations.
Classic literature often portrays whimpering as a reflection of human suffering or vulnerability, deepening the reader's connection to the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "whimper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 choramingar

🇮🇳 सुबकना

🇩🇪 winseln

🇮🇩 merengek

🇺🇦 скиглити

🇵🇱 kwilić

🇯🇵 すすり泣く

🇫🇷 gémir

🇪🇸 gemir

🇹🇷 inlemek

🇰🇷 훌쩍이다

🇸🇦 ينتحب

🇨🇿 kňourat

🇸🇰 kňučať

🇨🇳 呜咽

🇸🇮 cviliti

🇮🇸 kjökra

🇰🇿 ыңқылдау

🇬🇪 წუწუნი

🇦🇿 inildəmək

🇲🇽 gemir

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,581, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24578 subliminal
24579 pedantry
24580 lithograph
24581 whimper
24582 sweated
24583 marbled
24584 dereliction
...