Wail: meaning, definitions and examples

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wail

[ weɪl ]

^{Context #1}

sound

to make a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness

Synonyms

cry, howl, sob

Examples of usage

She wailed in agony as the pain shot through her body.
The woman wailed loudly at the funeral of her husband.
The child wailed in fear when he got lost in the supermarket.

^{Context #2}

expression

a prolonged high-pitched sound expressing grief or pain

Synonyms

keen, lament, moan

Examples of usage

The wail of sirens filled the air as the ambulance rushed to the scene.
The mournful wail of the wind echoed through the empty streets.

Translations

Translations of the word "wail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentar

🇮🇳 रोना

🇩🇪 weinen

🇮🇩 meratap

🇺🇦 голосити

🇵🇱 szlochać

🇯🇵 泣く

🇫🇷 pleurer

🇪🇸 llorar

🇹🇷 ağlamak

🇰🇷 울다

🇸🇦 يبكي

🇨🇿 plakat

🇸🇰 plakať

🇨🇳 哭泣

🇸🇮 jokati

🇮🇸 gráta

🇰🇿 жылау

🇬🇪 ტირილი

🇦🇿 ağlamaq

🇲🇽 llorar

Word origin

The word 'wail' originated from the Old Norse word 'veilla' meaning to lament or bewail. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'wailen' before becoming the modern word we use today. The concept of wailing as an expression of grief or pain has been a universal human experience throughout history, often associated with mourning rituals and emotional distress.