moans; moaned; moaning
1
: to make a long, low sound because of pain, unhappiness, or physical pleasure
The wounded soldier moaned in/with pain.
The crowd moaned [=groaned] as the other team scored another goal.
He moaned with pleasure as she rubbed his back.
2
a
: to express unhappiness about something : complain
We were all moaning about the cold, rainy weather.
He's always moaning about his salary.
The children were moaning and groaning all morning, but their mother would not let them go outside.
I'm tired of all his moaning and groaning about his salary.
b
: to say (something) in a way that shows pain or unhappiness
"But I don't want to go," moaned the boy.
"Oh, my stomach hurts," she moaned. = She moaned that her stomach hurt.
3
: to make a long, low sound
The wind moaned in the trees.
plural moans
1
: a long, low sound that someone makes because of pain, unhappiness, or physical pleasure
She let out a long, deep moan.
a moan of despair/pleasure
a low/feeble/weak moan
2
: a long, low sound
the moan of the wind
the moan of the car's engine
3
British, informal
: a complaint about something
He's always having a moan [=complaining] about his job.
Cite this Entry
“Moan.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/moan. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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