What does sigh mean?
A sigh is a long, audible breath, usually made by exhaling through the nose or mouth and expressing a feeling such as weariness, disappointment, relief, regret, or resignation. The verb “sigh” describes this action: a person may sigh after receiving disappointing news, trying to resolve a difficult situation, or finally relaxing after tension has passed. In its noun use, “a sigh” can refer both to the physical sound and to the feeling it communicates, as in phrases such as “a sigh of relief.” The word is especially useful in descriptive and literary writing because it gives visible, audible form to emotions that might otherwise be left unspoken. Although sighing is also a natural bodily action, in ordinary English it nearly always carries an emotional or evaluative implication.
To emit a long, deep breath, especially as an expression of emotion, weariness, disappointment, or relief.
"He sighed as he read the final page."
Often used figuratively to convey resignation, frustration, or emotional release.
A long, audible breath expressing a feeling such as weariness, disappointment, relief, or regret.
"A sigh of relief passed through the room."
Common in both literal and figurative expressions, including “a sigh of relief” and “heaving sighs.”
The plural is formed by adding -s. The noun is countable when referring to individual breaths or expressive sounds.
"Her sighs became louder as the journey continued."
A sigh compresses an entire feeling into one breath: relief, disappointment, fatigue, or resignation can all pass through a single sigh.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sigh come from?
The verb comes from Middle English, where it appeared in forms such as “sighe,” and ultimately derives from Old English “sīġan,” meaning “to sigh.” The noun developed alongside the verb, with “sigh” attested in Middle English for both the act of breathing out and the resulting emotional expression. The word belongs to the Germanic family of English and is related in its historical development to forms expressing slow or deep exhalation.
Related word forms
How sigh is actually used
Common in everyday speech and literary contexts. In formal writing, it often conveys weariness, resignation, or emotional release rather than simply a physical breath.
Easily confused with sigh
A sigh is a long breath made with a vocal sound, whereas a sign is a mark, gesture, or indication conveying information.