wail

[weyl]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a prolonged, inarticulate, mournful cry, usually high-pitched or clear-sounding, as in grief or suffering.

   to wail with pain.

2. to make mournful sounds, as music or the wind.

3. to lament or mourn bitterly.

4. Jazz.,  to perform exceptionally well.

5. Slang.,  to express emotion musically or verbally in an exciting, satisfying way.

verb (used with object)

1. to express deep sorrow for; mourn; lament; bewail.

   to wail the dead;

   to wail one's fate.

2. to express in wailing; cry or say in lamentation.

   to wail one's grief.

noun

1. the act of wailing.

2. a wailing cry, as of grief, pain, or despair.

3. any similar mournful sound.

   the wail of an old tune.

wail

/ weɪl /

verb

1. (intr) to utter a prolonged high-pitched cry, as of grief or misery

2. (intr) to make a sound resembling such a cry

   the wind wailed in the trees

3. (tr) to lament, esp with mournful sounds

noun

1. a prolonged high-pitched mournful cry or sound

Other Word Forms

• wailer noun
• unwailed adjective
• wailful adjective
• wailfully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of wail¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English weile (verb and noun), perhaps derivative of Old English weilāwei wellaway ( def. ); compare Old English wǣlan “to torment,” Old Norse wǣla “to wail”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wail¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse vǣla to wail, Old English wā _woe

Example Sentences

I hear wails and roars in the distance, as well as the rushing of water.

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“We want to go home!” the boys wailed, for this idea of their mother abandoning the family to live with Veronika did not sit well with them.

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“Cake...oh, no!” the children wailed, for they had never been less interested in dessert in their lives.

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The children yapped in alarm, the admiral shouted words of courage, the widow wailed, and Lady Constance shrieked.

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She wailed at the top of her lungs.

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Related Words

• fuss 
• grieve 
• howl 
• moan 
• mourn 
• sob 
• weep 
• whimper