whine

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to complain in an irritating, high-pitched, or drawn-out voice; informal and disapproving

   The children began to whine about the long wait.

2. 2
   noun

   an irritating or plaintive complaint

   There was a familiar whine in his voice.

3. 3
   noun

   a long, high-pitched sound made by an animal, machine, or moving object

   The whine of the drill continued for several minutes.

Simplified etymology

Whine comes from Old English hwīnan, which meant “whistle through the air.” It is related to late Old English hwinsian, the source of whinge, and to German winseln.

From Middle English whinen, from Old English hwinan 'to whiz, squeal, or whine,' a Germanic sound word cognate with Old Norse hvina. Despite the resemblance, it is not related to German weinen 'to weep.'

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External links

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