adj
whiny
WEYE-nee
Whiny (adj) means Prone to complaining in an annoying way, or having a complaining, nasal tone. Example: “His whiny tone made even reasonable requests sound like complaints.”
adj
1
Prone to complaining in an annoying way, or having a complaining, nasal tone.
"His whiny tone made even reasonable requests sound like complaints."
"The toddler got whiny as nap time approached."
How to use whiny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSounding like, or behaving like, someone who complains constantly.
When to use it
Informal; used casually rather than in formal writing.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- whinier
- Superlative
- whiniest
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His _____ tone made even reasonable requests sound like complaints.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for whiny
See all rhymes for whiny →Frequently asked questions
What does “whiny” mean?
The word “whiny” means prone to complaining in an annoying way, or having a complaining, nasal tone. In plain terms, sounding like, or behaving like, someone who complains constantly.
How do you pronounce “whiny”?
“Whiny” is pronounced WEYE-nee (/ˈwaɪni/ in IPA).
How do you use “whiny” in a sentence?
Here is “whiny” used in a sentence: “His whiny tone made even reasonable requests sound like complaints.”
What part of speech is “whiny”?
“Whiny” is an adjective.
