whimper

1 of 2

verb

whim·​per ˈ(h)wim-pər 

whimpered; whimpering ˈ(h)wim-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to make a low whining plaintive or broken sound

2

: to complain or protest with or as if with a whimper

whimper

2 of 2

noun

1

: a whimpering cry or sound

2

: a petulant complaint or protest

the bill passed without a whimper

Synonyms of whimper

Verb

• cry
• sob
• moan
• bleat
• mewl

Noun

• whine
• moan
• complaint
• fuss

Examples of whimper in a Sentence

Verb

I could hear the puppy whimpering.

She whimpered about having to get up early.

“Where are you going?” she whimpered.

Noun

I could hear the puppy's whimpers.

patiently posed for dozens of photographs without so much as a whimper

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That admission led to gasps and whimpering by several courtroom observers. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 11 June 2026

Arms flew around in exasperation, and the woman left the table for such a long time that the large dog lying at their feet sat up and whimpered in the direction of her departure. —Literary Hub, 20 May 2026

Noun

The strange legal saga that torpedoed Jeff Shell’s career at Paramount Skydance has ended with a whimper. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

The Padres scored just two runs to flip a one-run deficit into a one-run lead in the seventh inning Monday night, and their rally ended with a whimper. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing whimper

• without a whimper

Kids Definition

whimper

1 of 2 verb

whim·​per ˈhwim-pər 

ˈwim-

whimpered; whimpering -p(ə-)riŋ 

: to utter weak interrupted cries

whimpered in pain

whimper

2 of 2 noun

: a whimpering cry