simper
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
-
(intr) to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way
-
(tr) to utter (something) in a simpering manner
noun
Other Word Forms
- simperer noun
- simpering adjective
- simperingly adverb
- unsimpering adjective
Etymology
Origin of simper
First recorded in 1560–70; related to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Swiss dialect adjective semper “affected, coy,” German zimpfer “dainty, affected,” and to Middle Dutch zimperlijc “affected, coy”; further etymology unknown
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was sick of sitting here listening to Mr. Reardon bully his family with all these “hypotheticals,” all these simpers and smirks, cruel smiles and humorless laughs.
From Literature
His smile was simpering but seemed to hide a sneer.
From Literature
“Flooffee-Fyr! Who could’ve imagined that simpering lackey would have the guts to betray me? I respect him now, yes! But he shall taste my REVENGE!”
From Literature
I suppose we simpered, but he only had eyes for Beatrice.
From Literature
Asturias fills the novel with beggars, the idle rich, simpering aristocrats and political sycophants.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
