wail

²wail

noun

Definition of WAIL

1

: the act or practice of wailing : loud lamentation

2

a : a usually prolonged cry or sound expressing grief or pain b : a sound suggestive of wailing <the wail of an air-raid siren> c : a querulous expression of grievance : complaint

Examples of WAIL

1. the wail of a siren
2. <a prolonged wail arose from every corner of the city as the victims of the earthquake were unearthed from the rubble>

First Known Use of WAIL

15th century

Related to WAIL

Synonyms: groan, howl, keen, lamentation, moan, plaint, lament

Antonyms: exultation, rejoicing

Related Words: cry, sob, tears; agonizing, grieving, mourning, sorrowing, suffering, weeping; hand-wringing, regret; complaint, cri de coeur, outcry, protest; anguish, dolor, grief, heartache, heartbreak, sorrow, woe

Near Antonyms: cheering, laughing, smiling

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide