moan

[ mohn ]

noun

1. 1. a prolonged, low sound uttered from physical or mental suffering.
   2. a prolonged, low sound uttered from any other strong physical or mental sensation, especially pleasure.
2. any prolonged, low sound:

   The alarming moan of the engines suggested they'd break down soon.

3. complaint or lamentation:

   Despite last year's moan about how much effort Christmas is, I'm feeling up to it this year.

verb (used without object)

1. 1. to make a prolonged, low sound from physical or mental suffering.
   2. to make a prolonged, low sound from any other strong physical or mental sensation, especially pleasure.

   Synonyms: mourn, grieve

2. (of inanimate objects) to make a prolonged, low sound:

   The wind moaned through the trees.

3. to complain:

   I may moan about the weather here, but at least it doesn't get hot.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter (something) inarticulately or pitifully:

   He moaned his response.

2. to lament or express grief over; bemoan:

   It does no good to moan your position in life instead of taking action.

   Synonyms: deplore, mourn

moan

/ məʊn /

noun

1. a low prolonged mournful sound expressive of suffering or pleading
2. any similar mournful sound, esp that made by the wind
3. a grumble or complaint

verb

1. to utter (words) in a low mournful manner
2. intr to make a sound like a moan
3. usually intr to grumble or complain (esp in the phrase moan and groan )

Derived Forms

• ˈmoaning, nounadjective
• ˈmoanful, adjective
• ˈmoaner, noun
• ˈmoaningly, adverb

Other Words From

• moan·ful adjective
• moan·ful·ly adverb
• moan·ing·ly adverb
• un·moaned adjective
• un·moan·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of moan¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English mone, man(e) (noun), Old English mān, unrecorded but inferred from its derivative mǣnan “to mourn”

Word History and Origins

Origin of moan¹

C13: related to Old English mǣnan to grieve over

Synonym Study

See groan.

Example Sentences

Hegseth served in the Army, a history he has channeled into endless moaning about the supposedly "woke" military.

From Salon

The former Trump staffer moaned that he was being “targeted” when Philip asked him to rein in the misgendering before continuing his point.

From Salon

Besides, moans about players being ill suited to the new head coach’s systems give lie to the theory some hold that United only kept Ten Hag until something better comes along.

From BBC

"She was moaning about the rain, ironically," she said.

From BBC

Fails tried to get her daughter comfortable as she cried and moaned.

From Salon

Related Words

• gripe
• sigh
• sob
• wail
• whine