sigh

[ sahy ]

verb (used without object)

1. to let out one's breath audibly, as from sorrow, weariness, or relief.
2. to yearn or long; pine.
3. to make a sound suggesting a sigh:

   sighing wind.

verb (used with object)

1. to express or utter with a sigh.
2. to lament with sighing.

noun

1. the act or sound of sighing.

sigh

/ saɪ /

verb

1. intr to draw in and exhale audibly a deep breath as an expression of weariness, despair, relief, etc
2. intr to make a sound resembling this

   trees sighing in the wind

3. introften foll byfor to yearn, long, or pine
4. tr to utter or express with sighing

noun

1. the act or sound of sighing

Derived Forms

• ˈsigher, noun

Other Words From

• sigher noun
• outsigh verb (used with object)
• un·sighing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sigh¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb sighen, back formation from sihte “sighed,” past tense of Middle English siken, sichen “to sigh, moan,” Old English sīcan “to sigh, groan, long for”; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sigh¹

Old English sīcan, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

I sigh with relief as it deftly turns and continues in the direction we have just come.

From BBC

If America is going to make it through the days, weeks, months, and—sigh—years to come, then you and I are going to have to hold on to the anger that we feel right now, and we are going to have to remember the many, many reasons why that anger is wholly justified.

From Slate

As Trump was declared the projected winner in the swing state of North Carolina, a collective sigh filled the ballroom.

From BBC

This one came with a giant sigh of relief.

From Los Angeles Times

Nine minutes in at Emirates Stadium and there was a collective sigh of resignation for everyone who sold the midfielder as he scored Arsenal's opener.

From BBC

Related Words

• cry
• exhale
• gasp
• groan
• howl
• moan
• murmur
• sob
• whisper
• whistle