# whimper

/ˈhwɪmpɝ/ (US) · /wˈɪmpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whimper
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a weak, high sound that someone makes when they are in pain or very upset. It is like a small cry or a soft whine.

For teachers: a weak, high-pitched sound of distress, pain, or fear. Often used to describe the vocalisations of children, animals, or people in a state of emotional vulnerability.

## Examples

- The puppy gave a small whimper when the door closed.
- After the loud thunder, the only sound in the room was a quiet whimper from the child in the corner.
- The silence of the empty house was eventually broken by a faint whimper from the basement, where the old dog had been left alone for the first time in years.

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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.