Pronunciation

/moʊn/

Definitions

• Verb: (moan; 3rd person present: moans; past tense: moaned; past participle: moaned) To utter a low, mournful sound expressing pain, grief, or discontentment. For example: “She moaned in pain when she twisted her ankle.”
• Noun: A low, mournful sound made in pain, sorrow, or dissatisfaction. For example: “The patient’s moans could be heard down the hallway.”

Phrases

• “To moan and groan” refers to complaining or expressing one’s unhappiness or discomfort repeatedly.
• “Moans and sighs” can represent a collective expression of sadness or despair.
• “A moan of pleasure” describes a low, sensual sound produced during moments of enjoyment or ecstasy.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “He moaned about the terrible weather all day long.”
• Noun: “The exhausted hiker let out a deep moan as he finally reached the summit.”

Synonyms

• Verb: Complain, groan, whine, grumble
• Noun: Groan, sigh, whimper, wail, murmur, complaint, expression of pain/discontentment.

Note on Other Uses

In informal contexts, ‘moan’ can also mean a low, sensuous sound made by someone experiencing pleasure, but this context is usually clear from the surrounding text or situation and may not be suitable for all audiences.