mewl

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "mewl" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft, feeble cry or whimper, often associated with infants or small animals. Example: "The kitten began to mewl softly, seeking attention from its mother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Coldplay's better songs are miniature epics that suggest vast stores of emotion; Bedingfield is a clean-cut pop singer with a knack for R. & B.; and Blunt satisfies an enduring if baffling need for men who mewl without their shirts on.

The New Yorker

He raised his right arm and strummed the exposed piano strings, making them mewl.

The New Yorker

The way my mother always recounted it, I'd squirm, pout, mewl, bawl or indicate my displeasure in some comparably articulate way, and before she could press me on what I wanted and perhaps coax actual language from me, Mark would rush in to solve the riddle.

The New York Times

And for whatever reason, as confirmed at Town Hall, the most startling of her early-period voices — the piercing, metallic mewl — is mostly gone.

The New York Times - Arts

He doesn't merely want to mewl folky stuff, either.

The New York Times - Books

It has one couplet in particular – "Nothing you can do, cos there is no solution/Got to get down to the noise and confusion" – perfectly suited to the younger Gallagher's belligerent mewl; and, just maybe, the current condition of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I was read no trash in my mewling age, no footling Noddy-type books, but was thrown in the deep end with a great classic.

The Guardian - Books

If there's only a middle seat left in the Quiet Zone, is it better to reserve it, and be safe from kicking, mewling and nappies, or to go where few travellers dare and sit with the scamps in the back?

The Economist

China has stopped to follow the fate of Baby 59 – a newborn boy let fall down the toilet by its mother, then rescued mewling from a sewage pipe by passers-by.

Independent

As for Rafe Spall, who plays Wratten's allegedly psychotic nephew – with his silly little grin, he displayed all the threat of a mewling kitten.

Independent

Our world is not going to collapse if they [our children] don't know 'To be or not to be'", I heard the distinct mewling of babies in bathwater.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mewl" to describe a soft, high-pitched cry, particularly when referring to infants or animals. It adds a delicate and evocative touch to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "mewl" in contexts that require a stronger or more forceful expression of distress. It suggests a weak, almost pathetic sound, which may not be appropriate for all situations.

Linguistic Context

Mewl functions primarily as an intransitive verb to describe the act of making a soft, high-pitched cry. It can also function as a noun, referring to the cry itself. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mewl" is a grammatically sound verb and noun that describes a soft, high-pitched cry, often conveying vulnerability or need. While not overly common, Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, emphasizing its neutral to formal register. When aiming to add delicate auditory detail to your writing, "mewl" serves as a precise and evocative choice. Be mindful of its connotation, however, as it suggests weakness and may not suit situations requiring stronger expressions of distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whimper softly

Specifies the manner of whimpering, adding detail to the sound.

cry weakly

Focuses on the lack of strength in the cry.

whine softly

Emphasizes the complaining tone of the sound.

make a plaintive cry

Highlights the sorrowful nature of the cry.

utter a feeble cry

Stresses the weakness and ineffectiveness of the cry.

pule feebly

Indicates a weak, whimpering cry, often of a baby.

murmur plaintively

Refers to a low, sad sound expressing grief or discontent.

wail softly

Implies a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain or grief.

squeak softly

Refers to a short, high-pitched sound, like that of a small animal.

cry like a kitten

Compares the cry to that of a young cat, emphasizing its weakness and dependence.

FAQs

How to use "mewl" in a sentence?

"Mewl" is used to describe a soft, high-pitched crying sound, similar to whimpering or whining. For example, "The kitten began to mewl softly, seeking attention from its mother."

What can I say instead of "mewl"?

You can use alternatives like "whimper", "wail", or "pule" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "mewl"?

To "mewl" means to cry weakly with a soft, high-pitched sound, akin to whimpering. It's often associated with babies or young animals expressing discomfort or need.

Is "mewling" a positive or negative word?

"Mewling" typically carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting weakness or helplessness. It's often used to describe someone who is complaining in a feeble or ineffective way.