wail
word
Definition
To cry out loudly in pain, sadness, or grief; also, a long, high-pitched cry of emotion.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or literary word; often used with 'siren wail' or to describe babies, mourners, or animals. Stronger than 'cry' or 'sob'. Commonly used for continuous, loud, emotional noise.
Spanish: llorar - gemir - aullar (de dolor)Portuguese (BR): uivar - lamentar - chorar altoPortuguese (PT): uivar - lamentar - chorar altoChinese (Simplified): 嚎啕大哭 - 哀号Chinese (Traditional): 嚎啕大哭 - 哀號Hindi: आर्तनाद करना - जोर से रोनाArabic: ينوح - يصرخ بالبكاءBengali: হাহাকার করা - কান্না করাRussian: выть - вопить - завыватьJapanese: 泣き叫ぶ - 嘆き泣くVietnamese: gào khóc - rên rỉKorean: 울부짖다 - 통곡하다Turkish: ağlamak (yüksek sesle) - feryat etmekUrdu: چیخنا - بینا کرناIndonesian: meratap - meraung
Example Sentences
The baby began to wail loudly when he was hungry.
basic
We heard the wail of the ambulance siren.
basic
She began to wail when she lost her favorite toy.
basic
He could hear the wind wailing through the trees at night.
natural
People wailed with grief at the funeral.
natural
The cat wailed all night outside my window.
natural