moan

American  

[mohn] / moʊn /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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 )

Related Words

See groan.

Other Word Forms

• moaner noun
• moanful adjective
• moanfully adverb
• moaning noun
• moaningly adverb
• unmoaned adjective
• unmoaning adjective

Etymology

Origin of moan

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

Example Sentences

“Ohhh, leave me be,” it moaned, gravely, like wind weeping in treetops.

From Literature

He only knew that clan guardians watch over campsites, and that ghosts moan in leafless trees on stormy nights,’ forever seeking the clans they have lost.

From Literature

As the ice rocked to the movement of the waves and the wind moaned among the eewoonucks, I was in danger of losing my life.

From Literature

Just as her panic-stricken mother insisted on going for outside help, she moaned.

From Literature

But while Mother Russia’s not involved, you can almost hear her fatalistically moaning, “Just don’t bother!”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• carp
• grieve
• gripe
• grumble
• mourn
• sigh
• sob
• wail