plaintive

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.

Even Veronika had the sense not to repeat her plaintive question, “I wonder how they heard of me.”

From Literature

The words seemed to come from outside her, but it was only a whippoorwill offering its plaintive, three-note cry.

From Literature

Tom Petty vowing not to back down sounds plaintive and aspirational.

From The Wall Street Journal

This pageant of puppetry includes a flutter of butterflies, a goat with a plaintive bleat, a menagerie of wild animals and, at one point, a school of glowing fish.

From Los Angeles Times

The English horn issued a plaintive, simple melody, as if trying to evoke older memories of a nearly forgotten time.

From Los Angeles Times