whine

[ wahyn, hwahyn ]

verb (used without object)

, whined, whin·ing.

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

   The puppies were whining from hunger.

   Synonyms: moan, whimper

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

   He is always whining about his problems.

verb (used with object)

, whined, whin·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈwhiningly, adverb
• ˈwhiner, noun
• ˈwhining, adjective

Other Words From

• whin·er noun

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

The craft beeped awake, arched its hawklike shoulders, and whined off into the valley.

From New York Times

When he speaks, there’s often a hint of a whine.

From Los Angeles Times

She was watching a cartoon of animated chickens singing, difficult to hear because of the ominous whine of an Israeli drone overhead.

From BBC

"You're not going to bully me into silence anymore," Carlson whined, adding that being able to speak without blowback is what makes him a "free man and not a slave."

From Salon

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

Related Words

• gripe
• moan
• wail
• whimper