Whinny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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whinny
[ˈwɪni ]
Definitions
horse sound
Whinny refers to the soft, high-pitched sound made by a horse. It is often a sign of excitement or a form of communication among horses.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The mare began to whinny as she saw her foal approaching.
- You could hear the stallion whinnying in the distance.
- He tried to mimic the sound of a horse whinnying for fun.
horse sound
A whinny is the sound made by a horse, characterized by its gentle and often welcoming tone. It is typically used in both social interactions among horses and as a way to get attention.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The gentle whinny of the horse calmed the rider.
- She loved the sound of a whinny in the morning.
- Every time I approach, the horse gives a friendly whinny.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'whinny'
The word 'whinny' has its roots in Middle English, traceable back to the Old English word 'whinnian,' which means 'to whin' or 'to neigh.' The term is believed to have imitated the sound made by horses, reflecting an onomatopoeic quality in its formation. Over time, 'whinny' became used specifically to describe the soft vocalization of horses as a means of communication. The evolution of the word showcases the close relationship between humans and horses, especially in agrarian and pastoral communities where understanding animal behavior was crucial for farming and herding. Furthermore, the usage of 'whinny' has expanded in colloquial language to describe sounds that resemble or imitate this equine phenomenon.