whining

[ wahy-ning, hwahy- ]

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.

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 Words From

• whin·ing·ly adverb
• un·whin·ing adjective
• un·whin·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of whining¹

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

Reporting suggests that Trump was especially enamored with Hegseth's skill at whining, and especially about how easily threatened he is by women, people who are different, and any demands that he learn stuff or reckon with new ideas.

From Salon

For these observers, it seems, the problem with the just-concluded presidential campaign cycle was in large part Democrats’ refusal to “tone it down”—and the question going forward is whether or not the left will grow up, stop whining, and start referring to Trump as “Mr. President.”

From Slate

Instead, what chaps the hide of Vance and all other Republicans whining about "censorship" is the inadequate job social media companies are doing of keeping disinformation off their platforms.

From Salon

But that’s also Trump’s appeal: What looks to some like a weak man lashing out and whining to others looks like a tough guy putting one of those pompous reporters in their place.

From Salon

As MSNBC’s Steve Benen correctly observed, ”There is… a qualitative difference between whining about fact-checking and publicly raising the idea of using governmental power to strip a major American outlet of its broadcasting license.”

From Salon

Related Words

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