As a seasoned mother of two, I definitely know the difference between the words “whine” and “wine.” But I know many people get confused between the two terms, especially since they sound the same. So, let’s take a poke around and smooth out the meanings for each so you never get them mixed up again.
Wine vs. Whine
Let’s start with the basics and the shorter of the two words.
“Wine” is what you’d use to describe or refer to the alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. Examples are red wine, white wine, rose, orange wine, etc. The color of the grapes and other ingredients determine the color and taste of the wine.
Then there’s “whine,” a verb that means to complain or grumble in a high-pitched, super annoying way. Children are often guilty of whining with unpleasant high-pitched noise to give you a better idea.
Is Whine a Word?
Yup, “whine” is definitely a word! It’s a common verb we use in the English language to describe someone complaining too much or griping about something trivial in a loud and almost always annoying way. It’s mostly associated with kids who always whine when hungry or unhappy, but adults are guilty of whining, too. My husband whines all the time.
How Do You Spell Whining?
The verb “whining” is spelled w-h-i-n-i-n-g. I’ve seen some people add an extra N in the middle, which creates a whole other word with a different meaning. So, if you want to state that someone is whining or complaining, use this spelling.
How Do You Spell Wine?
“Wine” is spelled w-i-n-e and is the word you’d use to describe the adult beverage.
Do Whine and Wine Sound the Same?
They sure do! Wine and whine are homophones, and, for those who don’t know what that means, it’s when two words with different definitions and spellings somehow end up sounding exactly the same.
When to Use Whine
Use the verb “whine” when you want to describe someone who is being super annoying and complaining about something. It’s like when a child is throwing a tantrum and saying, “I don’t wannaaaaaaaaa….”
When to Use Wine
You should use the noun “wine” when you’re referring to alcoholic drinks made from fermented grapes and other fruits unless you’re talking about where they’re made. I’ve seen many people say wineyard, but it’s actually vineyard because the grapes grow on vines.
Examples of Whine in a Sentence
- I don’t want to get up yet!” my tired child whines with a high-pitched noise every single morning.
- “Why do I always have to do the dishes?” my husband whined.
- My kids will give a steady whine about pretty much anything.
- Just do it, and don’t whine about it.
Managers, usually the ones who have had bad results like Jurgen Klopp, whine about the hectic schedule forced upon their players. (The Peterborough Telegraph)
Examples of Wine in a Sentence
- “Let’s crack open a bottle of wine and celebrate!” my best friend exclaimed.
- “I prefer white wine to red wine,” he said.
- My uncle owns a vineyard down in Maine and has his own wine factory.
Proudly described by its creator as “revolutionising the world of wine with a blasphemous drink,” this blue wine was a big success, with sales of 100,000 bottles in 25 countries. (Forbes Magazine)
Don’t Whine About the Taste of Wine
And there you have it, folks! Now you can clearly see the big difference between the noun wine and the verb whine, so be sure not to get them mixed up. Using the wrong word with the wrong context will confuse everyone reading.