whimper
WIM-per
/ˈwɪmpər/
To make a series of low, feeble, broken sounds expressive of fear, pain, or discontent.
Conveys vulnerability, distress, or helplessness, often associated with children or animals.
The story behind the word. Dating back to the 16th century, 'whimper' is an imitative word likely related to the German 'wimmern' (to whimper or moan). It perfectly captures the weak, trembling sound of a creature in distress.
Word relationships
- sob: Sob implies convulsive crying with gasps, while whimper is a quieter, more continuous and feeble sound of distress.
- roar: Roar is a full-throated, loud cry of anger or power, the opposite of a helpless whimper.
Commonly confused with
- mutter: Mutter is a low complaint born of anger or annoyance, while whimper is a low sound born of fear, pain, or sadness.
Word family
- whimpering (noun): The act or sound of whimpering.
Collocations
- whimper in pain
- soft whimper
- whimper of fear
Example sentences
- "The injured puppy began to whimper softly in the corner until the veterinarian arrived to examine him." An injured animal seeking help.
Memory hook
Think of a whimpering puppy waiting for its mother in the winter. Whimper is a sad, weak cry.
When not to use
Do not use for quiet sounds of contentment, anger, or simple secrecy.
Fun facts
- The famous poet T.S. Eliot concluded his poem 'The Hollow Men' with the line: 'Not with a bang but a whimper.'
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.