whine

Whine has two main senses in English: as a verb meaning to complain in a high, plaintive voice; and as a noun referring to such a complaint or to a high-pitched sound. The verb is commonly used with about, as in “to whine about a minor inconvenience.” The noun can denote the complaint itself or the sound produced.

Etymology drawn from the Middle English period, the exact roots are unclear. The term is generally regarded as onomatopoeic, reflecting the high, nasal quality of the sound it describes. In modern usage it often carries a pejorative nuance, suggesting petty, persistent, or insincere complaint.

Usage notes: whine is frequently applied to people, especially children or adults seen as indulging in persistent dissatisfaction. It can describe a voice or tone described as whiny, or, in a literal sense, a sound such as a machine, motor, or electronic device emitting a high-pitched, continuous noise.

See also: related terms include whinge, moan, gripe, and kvetch. In many contexts, whine carries a negative evaluative charge, signaling disapproval of the speaker’s or object’s manner of complaining.