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

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

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

As Ukrainian parents wail, Putin has set up an online “catalog of Ukrainian children,” a photo database searchable by personal characteristics such as size and hair color.

From Salon

Greenwood’s graphic details are vivid and disturbing, from screaming that is “a high unnatural wail that could shrivel souls like salted slugs” to air “powdered with concrete and sulfur.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Take me to my father,” she wailed as a paramedic tended to her wounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Ozzy Osbourne, who died Tuesday at the age of 76, was an undisputed rock god whose preternatural wail shook the gates of hell.

From Salon

Osbourne developed an aggressive vocal wail that always seemed to be teetering on the precipice of insanity.

From BBC

Related Words

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