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Definition of keening

keening

/ˈkiː.nɪŋ/
keen · ing
Adverb:keeningly
•
Plural:keenings
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keening Lexical Profile

keening Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of wailing in grief for a dead person, or a prolonged, high-pitched mournful sound.

Example

"The mournful keening of the bereaved family echoed through the quiet churchyard during the burial service."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Making a high-pitched, mournful wailing sound, or expressing deep grief through vocal lamentation.

Example

"A keening wind swept across the barren moor, rattling the shutters of the isolated cottage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for keening
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for keening

• Nearby Words

keelson
keen
keener
keening
keenly
keenness
keep

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Irish word 'caoineadh' (meaning 'lament' or 'crying'), from Old Irish 'caínid' ('to lament' or 'to weep'), historically referring to the traditional Celtic vocal lamentation performed over the dead.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Keening. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/keening
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