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Synonyms

keening

American  
[kee-ning] / ˈki nɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act of a person who keens. keen.

  2. a wailing lament for the dead; keen.


Etymology

Origin of keening

First recorded in 1875–80; keen 2 + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As such, there's little to compare with the straightforward joy of Watermelon Sugar, or the keening desire of As It Was - but Styles isn't stupid enough to alienate his fanbase entirely.

From BBC

Only a handful of authentic keening songs were recorded from traditional singers, which Róis referenced on the record.

From BBC

Shift to Sport mode and the engine will hold at a high, keening rpm, trying to charge the battery faster than the driver can drain it.

From The Wall Street Journal

The tone of his voice is high, a keening sound.

From BBC

When she sang on Coleman’s 1972 LP “Science Fiction” — keening improvisation cutting through a ferocious band — the sax legend gave her a warning about America.

From Los Angeles Times