simper

[ sim-per ]
See synonyms for simper on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object)
  1. to smile in a silly, self-conscious way.

verb (used with object)
  1. to say with a simper.

noun
  1. a silly, self-conscious smile.

Origin of simper

1
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

Other words for simper

Other words from simper

  • sim·per·er, noun
  • sim·per·ing·ly, adverb
  • un·sim·per·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use simper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for simper

simper

/ (ˈsɪmpə) /


verb
  1. (intr) to smile coyly, affectedly, or in a silly self-conscious way

  2. (tr) to utter (something) in a simpering manner

noun
  1. a simpering smile; smirk

Origin of simper

1
C16: probably from Dutch simper affected

Derived forms of simper

  • simperer, noun
  • simpering, adjective, noun
  • simperingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012