whining

American  

[wahy-ning, hwahy-] / ˈwaɪ nɪŋ, ˈʰwaɪ- /

adjective

1. uttering a nasal, complaining cry, as from peevishness, discontent, uneasiness, etc..

   If there’s one sound that makes me want to tear my ears off, it’s the sound of a whining tomcat.

   Our daughter has grown from a whining child on the first day of playgroup to one who asks to go even on Saturdays.

2. complaining in a petulant, self-pitying way.

   Those whining people who blame everyone and think everyone is against them need to grow up.

3. making or being a drawn-out, high-pitched sound.

   In courtship, the male of the white-eyed vireo displays to the female by fluffing its plumage, spreading its tail, and uttering a whining call.

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noun

1. the act or habit of crying or complaining in a peevish way.

   Can I give you a bit more work today if I have to, and not get any whining from you?

2. the act of making a drawn-out, high-pitched sound.

   A few hours later the whining of a chainsaw began.

Other Word Forms

• unwhining adjective
• unwhiningly adverb
• whiningly adverb

Etymology

Origin of whining

First recorded in 1400–50; whin(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; whin(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Instead of lunging forward to protect us, J.W. backed into the weeds, growling and whining.

From Literature

He watched Wolf pad over and lie down beside Renn with his muzzle between his paws, gazing at the pouch on her lap, and whining softly.

From Literature

There weren’t three feet between her and the lead dog, who was still whining.

From Literature

Then it settled down and blew with a high whining sound.

From Literature

Standing on the rim of the hole and peering down at me, he started whining and whimpering and fidgeting around.

From Literature

Related Words

• cranky
• fractious
• impatient
• irritable
• perverse
• sullen
• testy
• whiny