whimper

[ hwim-per, wim- ]

verb (used without object)

1. to cry with low, plaintive, broken sounds.

   Synonyms: sob, weep, whine

verb (used with object)

1. to utter in a whimper.

noun

1. a whimpering cry or sound.

   Synonyms: sob, whine

whimper

/ ˈwɪmpə /

verb

1. intr to cry, sob, or whine softly or intermittently
2. to complain or say (something) in a whining plaintive way

noun

1. a soft plaintive whine

Derived Forms

• ˈwhimpering, noun
• ˈwhimperer, noun
• ˈwhimperingly, adverb

Other Words From

• whimper·er noun
• whimper·ing·ly adverb
• un·whimper·ing adjective
• un·whimper·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of whimper¹

1505–15; obsolete whimp to whine + -er ⁶

Word History and Origins

Origin of whimper¹

C16: from dialect whimp, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

On Wednesday, however, Miller’s dreadful sophomore campaign essentially ended with a whimper.

From Los Angeles Times

The host stresses to a whimpering Jenn that in that scene she showed America "what a strong and powerful woman is."

From Salon

Kevin Little, a Fresno attorney who has watched the case closely, said the agreement “likely marks a whimpering end to what started as a major case.”

From Los Angeles Times

To say the track is going out with a whimper would be a compliment.

From Los Angeles Times

I shouted, “They were never your family,” but it sounded like gargles and whimpers.

From Literature

Related Words

• moan
• weep