What does mewling mean?
Mewling means crying with a weak, plaintive, or muffled sound, as a child might do when frightened, tired, or upset. It can also describe someone behaving meekly or submissively, especially in a way that seems exaggerated or unsatisfactory. The word is more literary and old-fashioned than the ordinary words whimper, snivel, or cry, and it often carries a faintly critical tone: describing a person as mewling suggests that their distress or complaints are excessive or unbecoming. Although most often associated with a person or an animal making a low, unhappy sound, the verb also has a figurative use for people who make a weak complaint or appeal. In ordinary conversation, “whimper” is usually the clearer and more neutral alternative.
To cry with a weak, plaintive, or muffled sound; figuratively, to complain or appeal feebly.
"She lay on the floor, mewling for her mother."
Often used in a mildly critical or exaggerated sense.
Weakly crying or behaving meekly and submissively.
"The mewling child reached for his mother's hand."
Literary and somewhat old-fashioned; often suggests unbecoming or excessive distress.
A single word can capture the sound of a cry that is both muffled and emotionally pleading.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mewling come from?
Mewling comes from the older verb mew, which referred to making a cat-like cry and could also mean to utter a weak or plaintive sound. The word developed in the late sixteenth century, with the sense of crying weakly. Its modern form is related to mewl, a variant of mew, and to the adverb mewly, meaning in a meek or weak manner.
Related word forms
How mewling is actually used
The word is literary and somewhat old-fashioned. In modern use, it often suggests a cry that is weak, excessive, or pitiable, and can be mildly disparaging when applied to a person's behaviour.
Easily confused with mewling
Mew generally means to cry like a cat, while mewling specifically describes a weak, plaintive cry or a meek, submissive manner.