whiny
Americanadjective
adjective
-
high-pitched and plaintive
-
peevish; complaining
Usage
What does whiny mean? Whiny is an adjective describing someone who is complaining in an annoying way, especially in a high-pitched tone of voice. To whine is to moan or make a high-pitched cry, or to say something in such a way. It also means to complain, especially by talking in such a way. Whiny is always used negatively to criticize such behavior. It can be used to describe a person or their words or actions. It is also spelled whiney. Example: People might help you with your problems if you weren’t so whiny about them.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of whiny
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Whiny Dawson from Dawson’s Creek? – she does seem to epitomise a particular type, from a specific era of television, who is mostly female.
From The Guardian • Jan. 13, 2018
Whiny brides-to-be with Buckingham Palace delusions called in asking for permission to put entire weddings on zero-percent introductory interest credit cards.
From Washington Post • Mar. 27, 2015
Whiny actors agitate to get their lines increased or improved, producers tinker with the show’s integrity to improve ratings, and relationships, like the one Victor pursues with the show’s art director, are hopelessly arbitrary.
From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2015
Whiny vocals and cutesy lyrics don't help matters.
From Chicago Tribune • Aug. 4, 2012
Whiny old country music murmured out of the speakers.
From "The Honest Truth" by Dan Gemeinhart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
