* Low, prolonged sounds of pain, suffering, or complaint. These can be vocalizations made by humans or animals.
* Sounds of sadness, grief, or longing. These are typically associated with human expression.
Examples:
* "The wounded soldier's moanings filled the air."
* "The wind whistled through the trees, making eerie moanings."
* "Her moanings of despair echoed through the empty room."
In literature, "moanings" can also be used metaphorically to describe:
* A state of dissatisfaction or complaint. "The moanings of the people about the new law were ignored."
* A sense of sadness or longing. "The moanings of the sea seemed to reflect the melancholy of his heart."
The specific meaning of "moanings" will depend on the context in which it is used.