pule

American  

[pyool] / pyul /

verb (used without object)

puled, puling

1. to cry in a thin voice; whine; whimper.

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pule British  

/ pjuːl /

verb

1. (intr) to cry plaintively; whimper

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Other Word Forms

• puler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of pule

First recorded in 1525–35; perhaps imitative

Explanation

To pule is to cry, but not loudly. Puling is weak, soft crying. It's a pathetic sound. Unfortunately, there are many ways to cry. You can bawl, which is loud crying. On the other end of the spectrum, you can pule. When you pule, you're crying weakly at a low volume. When dogs are scared, they often pule. Children sometimes pule when they don't get their way. People pule when they're sad, frightened, heartbroken, or tired. People pule when they don't have the energy to cry louder.

Example Sentences

Every year my PE teacher, Mr. Pule, would host bike week, a week where my friends and I would learn to ride around our neighborhoods safely.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2023

He is the most experienced returner for a DT position that lost three veterans to graduation in Amir Mujahid, Antonio Pule III and Christian Mejia.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

The previous fire took place at Pule Hill on 18 March, which prompted a reminder that fires, barbecues and fireworks are banned on the moor.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2022

ANC spokesman Pule Mabe did not respond to a request for comment, but the ANC in Johannesburg has congratulated the DA's incoming mayor and said it would hold her administration accountable.

From Reuters • Nov. 23, 2021

Pule aku la o Halaaniani a hiki i ka hapalua o ka manawa; ku ana ua nalu, hoomau aku la oia i ka pule a hiki i ka Amama ana.

From The Hawaiian Romance Of Laieikawai by Beckwith, Martha Warren