# moaning

/ˈmoʊnɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈəʊnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moaning
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the sound of pain or grief

noun · CEFR B2

the act of making a low, long sound because you are in pain or very sad.

For teachers: the production of a low, sustained vocal sound expressive of physical suffering or mental anguish.

- The only sound in the hospital room was the soft moaning of the patient.
- The distant moaning of the wind through the narrow mountain passes created an eerie atmosphere for the hikers.

### 2. complaining

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the act of complaining about something in an annoying way.

For teachers: the act of expressing dissatisfaction or grievances in a persistent, low-pitched, or grumbling manner.

- I am tired of all the moaning about the new office rules.
- Despite the significant improvements to the facility, there was constant moaning from a small group of members regarding the increased fees.

### 3. making a low sound

adjective · CEFR B2

describing someone or something that is making a low sound of pain or a complaint.

For teachers: functioning as a participial adjective to describe an entity emitting low, mournful, or complaining sounds.

- She tried to comfort the moaning child who had fallen off his bike.
- The moaning hinges of the old gate alerted the dog to a visitor's arrival long before the doorbell rang.

## Examples

- I woke up to the sound of the moaning wind.
- The moaning patient was finally given some medicine to help him rest through the night.
- The film was criticized for its moaning protagonist, whose constant grievances about his privileged life eventually alienated the audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.