whimper

1 of 2

verb

whim·​per ˈ(h)wim-pər How to pronounce whimper (audio)
whimpered; whimpering ˈ(h)wim-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce whimper (audio)
Synonyms of whimpernext

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

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Verb

Noun

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
When El Viejo del Costal (Michael Galvan) appeared onstage during a recent performance, draped in rough burlap, his movements liquid and slithering, a kid in the audience whimpered. — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Over the course of two hours, witnesses watched and listened as Christa Pike cried, whimpered and snored through Tennessee’s attempt to execute her. — Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
As the Sixers absorbed punch after punch and refused to fold, reality returned with at least a whimper, if not a thud. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026 Max Fried gave up two home runs, the New York Yankees had one taken off the board by fan interference and then their season ended Thursday night with a whimper. — Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whimper

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of whimper was in 1513

Phrases Containing whimper

Browse Nearby Words

whim gin
whimper
whimperingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whimper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whimper. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

whimper

1 of 2 verb
whim·​per ˈhwim-pər How to pronounce whimper (audio)
ˈwim-
whimpered; whimpering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce whimper (audio)
: to utter weak interrupted cries
whimpered in pain

whimper

2 of 2 noun
: a whimpering cry
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