whine

High-pitched grumbling sound

A whine is a high-pitched, drawn-out sound expressing complaint, distress, or pleading.

Dogs whine at the door; children whine for treats.

The verb means to make this sound or to complain in a petulant, self-pitying way: Stop whining and do your homework.

Engines and machinery also whine—a thin, sustained pitch suggesting strain.

The word carries connotations of weakness or annoyance; nobody respects a whiner.

sound

whimper

Quiet, plaintive cry

  • moanLow vocal complaint
  • keenSharp or enthusiastic
  • wailProlonged mournful cry

cry · yelp · mewl · squeal · yowl · howl · bleat · snivel · drone · buzz

dog

yelp

Brief, shrill cry

  • whimperQuiet, plaintive cry
  • cryVocal expression of emotion
  • howlProlonged mournful cry

yip · bark · keen · mewl · anxious · distressed · pitiful · needy · puppy · canine

complaint

grumble

Low, discontented murmuring

gripe · bellyache · protest · objection · criticism · discontent · carping · nitpicking · quibble · cavil

petulance

tantrum

Uncontrolled display of frustration

  • poutSulky facial expression
  • whimperQuiet, plaintive cry
  • fretAgitation or fingerboard guide

sulk · snivel · cranky · fussy · peevish · querulous · petulant · irritable · testy · childish

engine

drone

Unmanned flying machine

  • humLow steady sound
  • buzzContinuous low drone
  • revMotor rotation count

idle · high-pitched · motor · turbine · transmission · gear · mechanical · spooling · powertrain

pleading

beg

Ask with desperation

cajole · nag · pester · beseech · supplicate · appeal · coax · badger · importune · grovel

Categories
Opposites
vocal tone/manner

whineboom

Loud deep sound

bellow · roar · shout · thunder · growl

emotional attitude

whinerejoice

Feel or show delight

cheer · celebrate · praise · delight · crow

behavioral response to difficulty

whineendure

Suffer through without yielding

bear · accept · tolerate · persevere · cope

Phrases
Family

whining, whiner, whined, whinny, whiny, whines, whinge, whiney, whiners

Familiarity
Top 3,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G