rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymoanLow emotional sound
noun / verb

moan

MOHN/məʊn/

A low prolonged vocal expression of feeling.

The woman moans softly in pain as her companion listens closely.

Show a woman moaning in pain, using a restrained vocal expression and a companion visibly listening close to her mouth, rather than relying on pain posture alone.
Etymology
moanMiddle Englishmourn, regret, bewail

Middle English monen meant to mourn or bewail. Through the sense of lamenting without words, it came to describe the low sound expressing suffering, rather than the act of mourning itself.

In context

Storytime Haven540:23
But as he spoke he heard her moan, and the soft thud of her little body
✨ The Man by Bram Stoker | A Tale of Love, Courage & Destiny 📖

More examples

  • He lets out a low moan as he bends his injured knee.
  • She moans with pleasure as the massage loosens her shoulders.
  • The kids moan about having to clean their rooms.

Forms

moan · moans · moaned · moaning

Similar words

groan
Often suggests a deeper, rougher sound of pain or frustration.
whimper
Usually a softer, weaker sound of fear or distress.