sigh

1 of 2

verb

ˈsī 

sighed; sighing; sighs

intransitive verb

1

: to take a deep audible breath (as in weariness or relief)

2

: to make a sound like sighing

wind sighing in the branches

3

: grieve, yearn

sighing for days gone by

transitive verb

1

: to express by sighs

2

archaic : to utter sighs over : mourn

sigher

ˈsī(-ə)r 

noun

sigh

2 of 2

noun

1

: an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing an emotion or feeling (such as weariness or relief)

2

: the sound of gently moving or escaping air

sighs of the summer breeze

Synonyms

Verb

• sough

Examples of sigh in a Sentence

Verb

He sighed with relief when he saw that he passed the test.

The wind sighed through the trees.

“I may never see my old home again,” she sighed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Thatcher was more cerebral and sometimes sighed at Reagan’s loose command of policy details. —Danny Heitman, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 Oct. 2024

The wind sighs: Save me, Lord, for the waters have compassed my soul. —Tomas Tranströmer, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Noun

Here’s how to counter a less-than-ideal offer and negotiate for a higher wage: Watch your tone Negotiations are fraught with emotion; offering a curt response or exasperated sigh could kill the discussion, fast. —Morgan Smith, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024

In many ways, the morning also brought a collective sigh of relief. —Stephanie Castellano, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English sihen, alteration of sichen, from Old English sīcan; akin to Middle Dutch versiken to sigh

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sigh

• breathe a sigh of relief

Kids Definition

sigh

1 of 2 verb

ˈsī 

1

: to take or let out a long loud breath (as in weariness or relief)

2

: to make a sound like sighing

wind sighing in the branches

3

: yearn sense 1

sighing for the good old days

sigh

2 of 2 noun

1

: an often involuntary act of sighing especially when expressing a feeling

2

: the sound of gently moving or escaping air

the sighs of a summer breeze