whinny

[ hwin-ee, win-ee ]

verb (used without object)

, whin·nied, whin·ny·ing.

1. to utter the characteristic cry of a horse; neigh.

verb (used with object)

, whin·nied, whin·ny·ing.

1. to express by whinnying.

noun

, plural whin·nies.

1. a whinnying sound.

whinny

/ ˈwɪnɪ /

verb

1. (of a horse) to neigh softly or gently
2. to make a sound resembling a neigh, such as a laugh

noun

1. a gentle or low-pitched neigh

Word History and Origins

Origin of whinny¹

1520–30; imitative; compare earlier whrinny, Latin hinnīre

Word History and Origins

Origin of whinny¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

A cruel blow of his spurred heel brought the beast almost to its knees with a whinny of pain.

From Project Gutenberg

The girls followed her example, the horses making no protest, save to whinny anxiously and crowd a little closer together.

From Project Gutenberg

A faint whinny proved that the horses had been disturbed by the increase in the illumination.

From Project Gutenberg

The animal stopped, looked inquiringly around, and then came forward with a pleased whinny.

From Project Gutenberg

From the far distance she thought she heard the beginning of a whinny in reply.

From Project Gutenberg