sobbing

word · lemma: sob

/ˈsɑbɪŋ/
SAH-bing
/sˈɒbɪŋ/
SO-bing

Definition

Crying very hard, making loud, gasping sounds because you are very sad or upset.

Usage & Nuances

Used for intense, emotional crying where the person makes 'hiccuping' or gasping sounds. Often used in narratives and emotional descriptions. Not for quiet or soft crying—that would be 'weeping' or 'crying.' Used as a verb ('She was sobbing') or for the sound itself ('The sound of sobbing').

Example Sentences

She was sobbing after watching the sad movie.

basic

The child started sobbing when he lost his toy.

basic

I could hear sobbing from the next room.

basic

She tried to speak, but her sobbing made it hard to understand her.

natural

He was sobbing so hard that his shoulders shook.

natural

You don't have to keep sobbing. Let's talk about what's wrong.

natural