noun / verb

whimper

WIM-per/ˈwɪmpər/

A low, weak cry of distress or complaint, or making such a cry.

The man whimpers as his companion gently dresses his scraped palm.

An older man gives a small, weak cry while a companion gently dresses his scraped palm; tearful facial strain, a narrowly opened trembling mouth, and the companion leaning close reinforce whimpering rather than loud sobbing.

Etymology

Whimper probably imitates a low, broken cry, though it may instead come from German wimmern, “to whimper, moan.” Its earliest recorded meaning already describes weak crying.

In context

Storytime Haven101:09

Punish these your own monks, who whimper at your frown, but do not dare to lay your hand upon him who fears you not

Sir Nigel ⚔️🌟 | A Tale of Chivalry and Adventure | Arthur Conan Doyle

More examples

The child whimpers as the nurse cleans his scraped knee.
I hear soft whimpers coming from the carrier.
She whimpered that the backpack was too heavy.

Forms

whimper · whimpers · whimpered · whimpering

Similar words

whine: Emphasizes a higher-pitched sound or a drawn-out complaint.
sob: Involves broken breaths and usually tears, rather than quiet cries.
moan: Usually describes a deeper, more drawn-out sound of distress.