sob

¹ American  

[sob] / sɒb /

verb (used without object)

sobbed, sobbing

1. to weep with a convulsive catching of the breath.

2. to make a sound resembling this.

---

verb (used with object)

sobbed, sobbing

1. to utter with sobs.

2. to put, send, etc., by sobbing or with sobs.

   to sob oneself to sleep.

noun

1. the act of sobbing; a convulsive catching of the breath in weeping.

2. any sound suggesting this.

S.O.B. ² American  

Or SOB

abbreviation

(sometimes lowercase)

1. son of a bitch.

---

sob ¹ British  

/ sɒb /

verb

1. (intr) to weep with convulsive gasps

2. (tr) to utter with sobs

3. to cause (oneself) to be in a specified state by sobbing

   to sob oneself to sleep

---

noun

1. a convulsive gasp made in weeping

s.o.b. ² British  

abbreviation

1. son of a bitch

---

Other Word Forms

• sobber noun
• sobbing noun
• sobbingly adverb
• sobful adjective

Etymology

Origin of sob

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

Example Sentences

“I’ll never forget this part of my life,” she said, and, behind sunglasses, began to sob.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

"It came like an earthquake.. I thought 'Well, if I am going to die, then so be it,'" he said, beginning to sob heavily.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

“We hear far too much about gang members and criminals’ false sob stories and not enough about their victims.”

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2025

"I still think about it, and I sob," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

Instead of words, what tumbled out of her was a sob, then another, and tears down her face.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• bawl
• break down
• howl
• wail
• weep
• whimper