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

When she turns the throttle, the bike launches forward with a deep whine.

From Outside Online

Their whines, squeaks, and chittering sounds are unlike many other common forest animals, so listen carefully if you’re eager to know their whereabouts.

From Popular-Science

When the machine is operating, it emits a penetrating whine, like a dentist’s drill.

From Washington Post

Robert: I probably whine more than anybody of having to do 22 a year, so there was pride in what she said.

From The Daily Beast

Anyone going through Prozac Nation can certainly find plenty of callow moments when Wurtzel does whine.

From The Daily Beast

Every time the government raises environmental standards, industry leaders whine that the cost will be prohibitive.

From The Daily Beast

But no matter, we are allergic and getting more allergic, hear us roar (and sniffle and whine and hack).

From The Daily Beast

They whine that the movie is just a parade of liberals mocking conservatives.

From The Daily Beast

For above the beat of the rain and the shrill whine of the wind came a strain of music, mournful, yet exquisitely beautiful.

From Project Gutenberg

Talpers's voice had taken on something of a whine, and Lowell straightened up in disgust.

From Project Gutenberg

A cry, a little cry almost like the whine of a small animal suddenly hurt, escaped from Latour's lips.

From Project Gutenberg

The only answer was an uneasy whine as the animal crouched close to the man's feet.

From Project Gutenberg

James thought his kingly power divine And, loathing Puritanic ‘whine,’

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gripe
• moan
• wail
• whimper