whinny
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈwɪni/
KK: /ˈhwɪni/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a soft, high-pitched sound like a horse.
Example
The horse began to whinny softly as it saw its owner approaching.
Tense Forms
Past: whinnied
Past Participle: whinnied
Conversation
Did you hear that horse whinny earlier?
Yeah, it sounded really cute!
I love when they whinny softly like that.
Me too; it makes me want to go for a ride!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
neigh
bray
whicker
Antonyms
silence
muffle
hush
noun
Definition
A soft sound made by a horse, similar to a neigh, often used to express excitement or greeting.
Example
The horse let out a gentle whinny as it saw its owner approaching.
Conversation
Did you hear that whinny from the barn earlier?
Yeah, it sounded like the horses were having a chat!
I wonder if they were talking about their day or something.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a soft, high-pitched sound like a horse.
Example
The horse began to whinny when it saw its owner approaching.
Tense Forms
Past: whinnied
Past Participle: whinnied
Conversation
Did you hear that horse whinny earlier?
Yeah, I thought it was so cute!
I wonder what it was trying to express when it whinnyed like that.
Root Explanation
Whinny → The word 'whinny' originates from Middle English 'whinien', which is imitative in nature, representing the sound made by a horse. It describes the characteristic sound that horses make, often associated with calling or expressing excitement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a horse making a soft, gentle sound — that's what 'whinny' captures, as it mimics the noise horses make.
Visually Confused Words
hinny
shinny
hinney
chinny
winy