'whine' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hwīnan,' where 'hwīn-' meant 'to make a whistling sound.'

'hwīnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'whinen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'whine'.

Initially, it meant 'to make a whistling sound,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to complain in a high-pitched voice.'