wail
wail Lexical Profile
wail Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
"The infant let out a loud wail as soon as the toy was taken away."
A long, high-pitched sound resembling a human cry of distress, typically produced by wind, a siren, or a musical instrument.
"The distant wail of an ambulance siren echoed through the empty streets at midnight."
• verb
To utter a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
"The mourners began to wail softly as the ceremony came to a close."
To make a long, high-pitched sound resembling a cry of distress (especially of wind, sirens, or musical instruments).
"The winter wind continued to wail through the bare branches outside the cabin."
To complain or protest loudly and bitterly.
"Several commuters began to wail about the unexpected three-hour delay."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'wail' (to utter a prolonged cry of grief or pain) with its homophones 'wale' (a ridge on corduroy fabric or a raised mark on the skin) and 'whale' (the large marine mammal).
• Rhymes for wail
Word Origin & Etymology
Middle English 'wailen', borrowed from an Old Norse word akin to 'veila' (to lament), which was formed from the interjection 'vei' (woe).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.