Meaning & Definition of word "Wail"

Wail

/weɪl/

1. a prolonged, mournful cry.
- Example: The wail of the sirens pierced through the night.
2. a loud expression of grief or despair.
- Example: Her wail could be heard across the entire village.

1. to make a loud, high-pitched noise usually in response to pain or grief.
- Example: The child began to wail when he saw the doctor.
2. to express sorrow or lamentation in a loud and mournful manner.
- Example: She would often wail at funerals to show her deep sorrow.
3. to complain or protest about something in a loud and sustained manner.
- Example: He wailed over the unfairness of the situation at the meeting.

Middle English 'wailen', from Old English 'wālan', meaning 'to cry out'.

wail of despair:

a loud expression of sadness or hopelessness.

wail like a banshee:

to scream or cry out very loudly and mournfully, resembling the mythical banshee's cry.

wail away:

to make loud, prolonged sounds of grief or complaint.

cry:

to produce tears as a result of emotion.

lament:

to express sorrow or regret.

howl:

to make a long, loud cry.

Meaning: To express frustration or annoyance loudly.

Example Sentence: Stop wailing about the rules; just play the game!

Meaning: To complain incessantly.

Example Sentence: He's been wailing since he lost his phone.