Whine

To utter a long, plaintive, high-pitched cry or sound, typically expressing complaint, discontent, or pain; to complain in a self-pitying or petulant manner. Whining often indicates a sense of helplessness or a desire for attention, often used by children, but can be exhibited by adults as well. It involves a verbal expression of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, or distress, frequently characterized by a nasal or drawn-out intonation. The underlying motive may vary, ranging from seeking sympathy to demanding fulfillment of a desire. The effectiveness of a whine often depends on the context and the person being addressed; it can be an effective means of manipulation, or it can result in rejection.

Whine meaning with examples

• The child began to whine when she couldn't have the candy, her voice rising in pitch as she pleaded with her mother. Her whiny tone indicated more frustration than true sadness, revealing an attempt to get her way. She kept up the plaintive sound, creating an unpleasant atmosphere for everyone around her. It was an obvious attempt at manipulation.
• Exhausted after a long day at work, he started to whine about his colleagues and the unfairness of the company's policies. His wife, used to this regular display of discontent, told him to stop whining. He had a habit of turning to such complaints when feeling stressed or overwhelmed and found he could not help his vocal responses.
• The puppy would whine at the door when he wanted to go outside, his small, high-pitched cries clearly communicating his needs. This behavior was not a display of anger or malice, just a straightforward expression. This method always led to a quick trip to the park for him to burn off his excess energy.
• Despite his initial confidence, the candidate began to whine about the media coverage, claiming it was biased and unfair after the first debate. He started sounding as if he was making excuses for himself and lacked responsibility. The constant whining did not inspire confidence and damaged his credibility. His actions did him no favors.