sigh

1 of 2

verb

ˈsī 

sighed; sighing; sighs

intransitive verb

1

: to take a deep audible breath (as in weariness or relief)

2

: to make a sound like sighing

wind sighing in the branches

3

: grieve, yearn

sighing for days gone by

transitive verb

1

: to express by sighs

2

archaic : to utter sighs over : mourn

sigher

ˈsī(-ə)r 

noun

sigh

2 of 2

noun

1

: an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing an emotion or feeling (such as weariness or relief)

2

: the sound of gently moving or escaping air

sighs of the summer breeze

Synonyms of sigh

Verb

• gasp
• huff
• breathe
• snort
• sniff

Examples of sigh in a Sentence

Verb

He sighed with relief when he saw that he passed the test.

The wind sighed through the trees.

“I may never see my old home again,” she sighed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Shankly accepted the boldness, Ashman sighed and football had its first example of many of Keegan’s awareness of his financial worth. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Otherwise, Bridge — and any forthcoming program of the sort — risks becoming less a pathway to better care than another obstacle along the way, and another reason for physicians and patients alike to sigh. — Jeffrey Millstein, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026

Noun

Judging from the big sigh on the elevator, as Robby wraps his stethoscope around his neck like only Wyle can, he's not exactly refreshed and eager to step back into the emergency room. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

As far as a sigh of deep breath, obviously there’s a level of concern, but Jaxson is tough. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English sihen, alteration of sichen, from Old English sīcan; akin to Middle Dutch versiken to sigh

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sigh

• breathe a sigh of relief

Rhymes for sigh

• ai
• aye
• bae
• bi
• buy
• by
• bye
• chai
• chi
• cry
• die
• dry

Kids Definition

sigh

1 of 2 verb

ˈsī 

1

: to take or let out a long loud breath (as in weariness or relief)

2

: to make a sound like sighing

wind sighing in the branches

3

: yearn sense 1

sighing for the good old days

sigh

2 of 2 noun

1

: an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing a feeling

2

: the sound of gently moving or escaping air

the sighs of a summer breeze