Definition of the word whine

The word "whine" has its origins in Old English, specifically in the verb "hwīn," which meant "to cry out" or "to make a forgetive cry." This Old English verb is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*hweiniz," which is also the source of the Modern German word "heulen," meaning "to howl" or "to whine." In Middle English (circa 1100-1500 CE), the verb "whine" took on a broader meaning, encompassing not just crying or wailing, but also complaining, murmuring, or grumbling. This sense of the word is thought to have emerged from the idea of a low, nasal, or whining sound, which was seen as a characteristic of complaining or lamenting voices. Throughout its evolution, the word "whine" has maintained its association with unpleasant, high-pitched sounds, often used to convey discontent or frustration.