Wail

Pronunciation

• enPR: wāl, IPA: /weɪl/
• Rhymes: -eɪl
• Homophones: whale (in accents with the wine-whine merger)

Probably from Old Norse væla

Etymology in Webster's Dictionary

Full definition of wail

Noun

1. A prolonged cry, usually high-pitched, especially as of grief or anguish.She let out a loud, doleful wail.
2. Any similar sound as of lamentation; a howl.The wail of snow-dark winter winds.A bird's wail in the night.
3. A sound made by emergency vehicle sirens, contrasted with "yelp" which is higher-pitched and faster.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.
2. (intransitive) To weep, lament persistently or bitterly.
3. (intransitive) To make a noise like mourning or crying.The wind wailed and the rain streamed down.
4. (transitive) To lament; to bewail; to grieve over.to wail one's death
5. (slang, music) To perform with great liveliness and force.
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Derived terms

• wailer
• wailingly

Compare Icelandic word for "choice".

Verb

1. (obsolete) To choose; to select.
• HenrysonWailed wine and meats