To whimper means to make small, weak crying sounds that show pain, fear, or sadness. A lost puppy might whimper softly, making little whining noises instead of loud barks. A child with a scraped knee might whimper quietly while trying not to cry.

The sound is gentler and more pitiful than a full cry or sob. When someone whimpers, they're usually too hurt, scared, or tired to cry loudly. You might hear whimpering in a doctor's waiting room from a nervous toddler, or from someone having a bad dream.

People also use whimper to describe complaints made in a weak, timid way. If someone accepts defeat “with barely a whimper,” they give up without much protest or fight.

The word carries a sense of helplessness or vulnerability. It's the sound of someone or something that can't help themselves and needs comfort.