wail

4 definitions • 8 examples

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

The women gathered around the coffin and began to wail, as was the custom in the region.

[ + speech ] "My finger hurts," wailed the child.

to complain loudly or strongly:

[ + that ] Business people wailed that their trade would be ruined.

a long, high, loud cry, especially because of something unpleasant:

a wail of anguish

the wail of the police sirens

to make a long, high cry, usually because of pain or sadness, or to make a sound like this:

[ I ] The four babies were wailing in unison.

[ I ] Air-raid sirens wailed.

[ + that clause ] fig. Investors wailed (= complained) that interest rates were skyrocketing.