What does whining mean?
Whining is an everyday word with two closely related uses. It most often describes someone who complains repeatedly, usually in a plaintive, frustrated, or self-pitying manner: “Stop whining and decide what to do.” The term is informal and generally negative because it suggests a complaint is excessive, persistent, or difficult to endure. In its literal sound sense, whining is a high-pitched, mournful or strained noise, as produced by a dog, a person, or sometimes a machine. This sense can be neutral and does not necessarily carry the same criticism. The related adjective form describes a person, voice, or sound with that character, as in “a whining tone.” Although the word is used in both British and American English, its figurative meaning is especially common in criticism of habitual complaining. It is a useful word because it identifies not merely dissatisfaction but the manner in which dissatisfaction is repeatedly expressed.
To complain persistently, or to make a sustained, high-pitched, mournful sound.
"The child kept whining until her mother opened the door."
The complaint sense is usually negative; the sound sense may be literal and neutral.
Persistent, often querulous complaint, or a sustained high-pitched sound.
"The passengers were exhausted by the driver's constant whining."
The noun is often uncountable, though the plural “whinings” is also used.
Having a plaintive, persistent, or high-pitched character; habitually complaining.
"He spoke in a whining voice that immediately irritated the interviewer."
This is commonly a participial adjective, especially in the phrase “whining voice.”
The plural is standard but uncommon; “whining” is more often used as an uncountable noun.
"The child's whinings continued throughout the night."
From an Old English word for making a plaintive sound, “whining” acquired the extra sting of persistent complaint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whining come from?
The verb “whine” descends from Middle English “whinen,” which came from Old English “hwīnan,” meaning to make a high-pitched or plaintive sound. The form “whining” was produced with the productive suffix “-ing” and came to cover both the vocal act and the associated habit of persistent complaint.
Related word forms
How whining is actually used
Whining is common in both British and American English. As a term for persistent complaint, it is usually informal and disparaging. The sound sense can be neutral or even affectionate, as when describing a dog or a mechanical noise, and it is also used figuratively for persistently irritating speech.
Easily confused with whining
Whispering is speaking very quietly, whereas whining usually means complaining persistently or producing a sustained, high-pitched sound.