Entry Word: wail

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a crying out in grief <a prolonged wail arose from every corner of the city as the victims of the earthquake were unearthed from the rubble> — see lament 1
2 a long low sound indicating pain or grief <rescuers heard a faint wail coming from the pile of rubble, a sure sign that one of the victims was still alive> — see moan 1