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Wail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wail

[weɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

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

Synonyms

cry, howl, sob.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wail

Wail is often used to describe a loud, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or sorrow. It can be used for both people and animals.

  • The child began to wail when he fell off his bike.
  • Sirens wailed in the distance as the ambulance approached.
cry

Cry is a general term for shedding tears. It can describe a wide range of emotions, from sadness to joy, and is typically quieter than wailing.

  • She couldn't help but cry during the emotional movie.
  • The baby started to cry because he was hungry.
howl

Howl is used to describe a loud, long, mournful cry. It is often associated with animals like wolves but can also describe a similar sound made by humans in extreme distress or pain.

  • The wolves began to howl as the moon rose.
  • He howled in agony when he injured his leg.
sob

Sob refers to crying with great emotion, often involving convulsive catching of breath. It is typically associated with deep sorrow or distress.

  • She began to sob uncontrollably after hearing the bad news.
  • He sat in the corner, sobbing quietly to himself.

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 | Noun

expression

a prolonged high-pitched sound expressing grief or pain

Synonyms

keen, lament, moan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wail

Used when someone is crying loudly and continuously, often from intense grief, pain, or frustration.

  • The baby wailed for hours
  • She wailed in despair when she heard the news
lament

Used to express sorrow, regret, or mourning for something or someone. It's often a more formal or literary term.

  • She lamented the passing of old traditions
  • His lament for the fallen soldiers was heartfelt
keen

Used predominantly in an Irish context to describe the traditional vocal lament for the dead. It can also mean having a sharp or intense feeling.

  • The women of the village began to keen at the funeral
  • He had a keen sense of loss
moan

Used when someone is making low sounds of pain, discomfort, or displeasure. It can also refer to complaining in a low voice.

  • He moaned in pain after injuring his leg
  • She moaned about the long wait at the doctor's office

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Crying, including wailing, is a natural response to emotional pain and can help release built-up feelings.
  • Studies show that vocalizations like wailing can attract social support from others during times of distress.
  • People may wail not only due to sadness but also in moments of intense joy or relief, revealing the complexity of human emotions.

Culture

  • In some cultures, wailing is an important part of mourning rituals, allowing people to express their grief collectively.
  • Traditional music in various cultures often includes wailing sounds to convey heartbreak or deep emotional experiences.
  • Wailing can serve as a form of communication, signaling to others the need for help or comfort.

Art and Literature

  • Wailing has been used as a powerful literary device to convey characters' suffering and emotional depth in poetry and novels.
  • In visual arts, depictions of wailing figures often symbolize loss, pain, and the human condition.
  • Famous literary works such as Shakespeare's plays often use wailing or lamenting to symbolize tragedy and the sorrow of characters.

Origin of 'wail'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wail' comes from the Old English 'wailian,' which means to cry out or lament.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'waith', which connects to the act of lamenting or expressing grief.
  • Similar terms in other languages like 'weeping' or 'crying' show a common theme in expressing sorrow.

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.

See also: bewail, wailing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,619, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.