I. ˈhwīn, ˈwīn verb
( whined ; whin·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hwīnan to whiz; akin to Old Norse hvīna to whiz
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry
b. : to make a sound similar to such a cry
the wind whined in the chimney
2. : to complain with or as if with a whine
always whining about the weather
3. : to move or proceed with the sound of a whine
the bullet whined …across the ice — Berton Roueché
transitive verb
: to utter or express with or as if with a whine
• whin·er noun
• whin·ing·ly ˈhwī-niŋ-lē, ˈwī- adverb
II. noun
Date: 1633
1.
a. : a prolonged high-pitched cry usually expressive of distress or pain
b. : a sound resembling such a cry
2. : a complaint uttered with or as if with a whine
• whiny also whin·ey ˈhwī-nē, ˈwī- adjective