- uttering a nasal, complaining cry, as from peevishness, discontent, uneasiness, etc.: If there’s one sound that makes me want to tear my ears off, it’s the sound of a whining tomcat.Our daughter has grown from a whining child on the first day of playgroup to one who asks to go even on Saturdays.
- complaining in a petulant, self-pitying way: Those whining people who blame everyone and think everyone is against them need to grow up.
- making or being a drawn-out, high-pitched sound: In courtship, the male of the white-eyed vireo displays to the female by fluffing its plumage, spreading its tail, and uttering a whining call.
- the act or habit of crying or complaining in a peevish way: Can I give you a bit more work today if I have to, and not get any whining from you?
- the act of making a drawn-out, high-pitched sound: A few hours later the whining of a chainsaw began.
