Whine: meaning, definitions and examples

Frequently used when someone is expressing discontent repetitively in a high-pitched or annoying voice, often seen negatively.

• The child would whine every time he did not get his way.
• Stop whining and do something about it.

Commonly used when someone is expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about a particular issue or situation, in a general sense.

• She always complains about the weather.
• He complained to the manager about the poor service.

Often used when someone is expressing pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction in a low, prolonged way, usually negative.

• He moaned in pain after stubbing his toe.
• They moaned about the long meeting.

Typically used when someone is expressing discontent in a low, muttering manner, often under their breath or not very loudly.

• He grumbled about the long work hours.
• She grumbled to herself as she did the chores.

Used when someone is complaining in an annoying way, often over trivial matters. It has a negative connotation.

• She tends to whine about every little inconvenience.
• Stop whining and just get it done.

General term for making tears when one is sad, angry, or experiencing intense emotion. It can be used in both serious and not-so-serious contexts.

• The baby started to cry because he was hungry.
• She couldn't help but cry at the touching movie scene.

Used when someone is crying loudly and long, usually due to extreme pain or despair. It often involves a prolonged, high-pitched cry.

• The child wailed when he fell and scraped his knee.
• The wailing of the mourners filled the room.

Refers to crying loudly with convulsive catching of the breath. It is usually associated with deep emotion like grief or sorrow.

• He began to sob uncontrollably at the funeral.
• She was sobbing after hearing the bad news.