whimper

American  

[hwim-per, wim-] / ˈʰwɪm pər, ˈwɪm- /

verb (used without object)

1. to cry with low, plaintive, broken sounds.

   Synonyms:

   sob, weep, whine

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter in a whimper.

noun

1. a whimpering cry or sound.

   Synonyms:

   sob, whine

whimper British  

/ ˈwɪmpə /

verb

1. (intr) to cry, sob, or whine softly or intermittently

2. to complain or say (something) in a whining plaintive way

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noun

1. a soft plaintive whine

Other Word Forms

• unwhimpering adjective
• unwhimperingly adverb
• whimperer noun
• whimpering noun
• whimperingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of whimper

1505–15; obsolete whimp to whine + -er ⁶

Example Sentences

Detroit had to win both their remaining games to stand a chance of making the play-offs, but went out with an alarming whimper in a 23-10 defeat in Minnesota.

From BBC

But after so much time and anticipation, Friday's release landed with a whimper.

From BBC

But time heals all boring Main Events and fans were not ready to see Cena go out with a whimper in his final match.

From Salon

The predominant sentiment at tops is exhaustion, which is why bull markets typically end in a whimper rather than a bang.

From Barron's

“Ow,” I whimper as I try to stop myself from melting off the fence.

From Literature

Related Words

• moan
• weep