whine

[hwahyn, wahyn]

verb (used without object)

whined, whining 

1. to utter a low, usually nasal, complaining cry or sound, as from uneasiness, discontent, peevishness, etc..

   The puppies were whining from hunger.

   Synonyms: whimper, moan

2. to snivel or complain in a peevish, self-pitying way.

   He is always whining about his problems.

verb (used with object)

whined, whining 

1. to utter with or as if with a whine.

   I whined my litany of complaints.

noun

1. a whining utterance, sound, or tone.

2. a feeble, peevish complaint.

whine

/ waɪn /

noun

1. a long high-pitched plaintive cry or moan

2. a continuous high-pitched sound

3. a peevish complaint, esp one repeated

verb

1. to make a whine or utter in a whine

Other Word Forms

• whiningly adverb
• whiner noun
• whining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whine¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English verb whinen “to groan in pain or distress; make animal sounds, whimper, whinny, squeal,” Old English hwīnan (of an arrow) “to whiz, buzz, hum”; cognate with Old Norse hvīna, of imitative origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of whine¹

Old English hwīnan; related to Old Norse hvīna, Swedish hvija to scream

Synonym Study

See complain.

Example Sentences

But their over-the-top whining belies their true understanding.

From Salon

Many players have ignored concerns about the perception they whine too much about officiating, arguing the inconsistency in calls is dangerous.

From Los Angeles Times

Even when an FPV is too high to see clearly, or hidden behind foliage, soldiers can hear its distinctive, high-pitched whine.

From BBC

When I’m gone, they tuck her in, and at 2 a.m., when she pops up like a jack-in-the-box, giggling and whining, they sit with her until she exhausts herself and falls back to sleep.

From Salon

He remembers the clanging of metal and the high-pitched whining of steam, as well as the fear of gas leaks.

From BBC

Related Words

• gripe 
• moan 
• wail 
• whimper