# sighing

/ˈsaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sighing
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to make a long, deep sound with your breath when you are tired, bored, or sad. You do this when you feel like you cannot take it anymore.

For teachers: to breathe out slowly and deeply, often as a result of tiredness, boredom, or emotional distress. The present participle form of 'sigh'.

## Examples

- She sighed deeply as she finished her long report.
- He sighed in relief when the final exam ended and he could finally leave the classroom.
- The old clock began ticking again, its rhythmic sound filling the silent room as the weary traveler sighed and settled into his chair.

---

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.