Definition

1. Noun:

   • A complaint uttered in a plaintive, whining way: A high-pitched, nasal, and often irritating sound of complaining or lamenting.
   • A long, high-pitched, often unpleasant sound: A continuous, high-pitched noise, such as that made by machinery or the wind.

2. Verb:

   • To complain in a feeble, petulant, or self-pitying way: To express dissatisfaction or unhappiness with a high-pitched, drawn-out, and annoying tone of voice.
   • To make a long, high-pitched, often unpleasant sound: To produce a sustained, high-frequency noise.
   • To talk in a tearful, fretful manner: To speak with a voice that suggests crying or excessive self-pity.
   • To move with a whining sound: To pass by while producing such a high-pitched noise.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The constant whine of the engine was giving me a headache.
  • He ignored the child's whine for more candy.

• Verb:

  • The child began to whine about having to go to bed.
  • The saw whined as it cut through the metal.
  • "It's not fair," she whined.
  • The wind whined through the narrow alley.

Advanced Usage

• "to whine about (something)": to complain persistently and annoyingly about a particular thing.

  • He's always whining about his workload.

• "to whine and moan": to complain and grumble excessively (often used as a pair for emphasis).

  • Stop whining and moaning and just get on with the job.

Variants and Related Words

• Whiner (n): a person who whines or complains frequently.

  • Don't be such a whiner; we all have to do our part.

• Whiny (adj): having a complaining or fretful character; tending to whine.

  • He was in a whiny mood all afternoon.

Synonyms

• Complain: to express dissatisfaction or annoyance.
• Moan: to make a long, low sound of pain or grief; to complain.
• Grumble: to complain in a bad-tempered but muted way.
• Whimper: to make a series of low, feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain, or discontent.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Whine" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically conveyed alone or with prepositions like "about.")

Related Idioms

• "Whine like a baby": to complain in an excessively childish, petulant, or self-pitying manner.
  • He whined like a baby when he didn't get his way.

Noun

1. a complaint uttered in a plaintive whining way

Verb

1. complain whiningly
2. make a high-pitched, screeching noise
   • The door creaked when I opened it slowly
   • My car engine makes a whining noise
3. talk in a tearful manner
4. move with a whining sound
   • The bullets were whining past us