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Translate files Wail
/weɪl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
a prolonged, mournful cry.
The wail of the sirens pierced through the night.
a loud expression of grief or despair.
Her wail could be heard across the entire village.
verb
to make a loud, high-pitched noise usually in response to pain or grief.
The child began to wail when he saw the doctor.
to express sorrow or lamentation in a loud and mournful manner.
She would often wail at funerals to show her deep sorrow.
to complain or protest about something in a loud and sustained manner.
He wailed over the unfairness of the situation at the meeting.
Etymology
Middle English 'wailen', from Old English 'wālan', meaning 'to cry out'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
To express frustration or annoyance loudly.
Stop wailing about the rules; just play the game!
To complain incessantly.
He's been wailing since he lost his phone.