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moan

/moʊn/
/məʊn/
IPA guide

Other forms: moaned; moaning; moans

The low sound you make when you're in pain is called a moan. A bad stomachache can leave you bent over, making soft moans.

Moan is also a verb, so whenever someone is hurting enough — physically or mentally — there's the possibility they'll moan in despair or discomfort. You can also use this word to mean "whine" or "complain," like when your little sister moans about how much smaller her slice of pie is than yours. Experts think moan is related to the Old English word mænan, "complain or moan," but that it's also imitative — resembling the sound it describes.

Definitions of moan
  1. noun
    an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
    synonyms: groan
    see moresee less
    type of:
    utterance, vocalization
    the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
  2. verb
    indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
    synonyms: groan
    see moresee less
    type of:
    emit, let loose, let out, utter
    express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
Pronunciation
US
/moʊn/
UK
/məʊn/
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