whine

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whine / (h)wīn/ • n. a long, high-pitched complaining cry: the dog gave a small whine. ∎  a long, high-pitched unpleasant sound: the whine of the engine. ∎  a complaining tone of voice. ∎  a feeble or petulant complaint: a constant whine about the quality of public services.• v. [intr.] give or make a long, high-pitched complaining cry or sound: the dog whined and scratched at the back door. ∎  complain in a feeble or petulant way: [intr.] the waitress whined about the increased work | [with direct speech] “What about him?” he whined. DERIVATIVES: whin·er n.whin·ing·ly adv.whin·y adj.

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