Whimper vs Howl - What's the difference?

Whimper is a related term of howl.

As nouns the difference between whimper and howl

is that whimper is a low intermittent sob while howl is the protracted, mournful cry of a dog or a wolf, or other like sound.

As verbs the difference between whimper and howl

is that whimper is to cry or sob softly and intermittently while howl is to utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.

whimper

English

Noun

(en noun)

A low intermittent sob.

Verb

(en verb)

To cry or sob softly and intermittently.

The lonely puppy began to whimper as soon as we left the room.

* 1886 , (Robert Louis Stevenson), (Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde)

At the sight of Mr. Utterson, the housemaid broke into hysterical whimpering ; and the cook, crying out "Bless God! it's Mr. Utterson," ran forward as if to take him in her arms.

To cry with a low, whining, broken voice; to whine; to complain.

* Latimer

Was there ever yet preacher but there were gainsayers that spurned, that winced, that whimpered against him?

To say something in a whimpering manner.

"Master, please don't punish me!" he whimpered .

Synonyms

* See also

Derived terms

* whimperative

howl

English

Noun

(en noun)

The protracted, mournful cry of a dog or a wolf, or other like sound.

A prolonged cry of distress or anguish; a wail.

Verb

(en verb)

To utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.

* Drayton

And dogs in corners set them down to howl .

* Shakespeare

Methought a legion of foul fiends / Environ'd me about, and howled in my ears.

To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress; to cry aloud and mournfully; to lament; to wail.

* Bible, Isaiah xiii. 6

Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand.

To make a noise resembling the cry of a wild beast.

* Sir Walter Scott

Wild howled the wind.

To utter with outcry.

to howl derision