wailing
word · lemma: wail
/ˈweɪɫɪŋ/
WAY-ling
/wˈeɪlɪŋ/
WAY-ling
Definition
Wailing means making a long, loud cry, usually because of pain, sadness, or grief.
Usage & Nuances
More intense and high-pitched than 'crying.' Often used in emotional, dramatic, or literary contexts. Commonly refers to babies, people in grief, or expressive animal sounds. Not slang or informal.
Spanish: llanto - lamento (sonoro)Portuguese (BR): lamento - choro agudoPortuguese (PT): lamento - choro agudoChinese (Simplified): 哀嚎 - 哀号Chinese (Traditional): 哀嚎 - 哀號Hindi: विलाप - करुण क्रंदनArabic: عويل - نواحBengali: হাউমাউ করা - বিলাপRussian: вой - причитаниеJapanese: 泣き叫ぶこと - 号泣Vietnamese: than vãn - khóc than toKorean: 울부짖음 - 통곡Turkish: ağlama - feryatUrdu: چیخ و پکار - آہ و زاریIndonesian: meraung - tangisan keras
Example Sentences
The baby's wailing woke everyone up.
basic
We heard wailing during the night.
basic
The cat ran away, wailing loudly.
basic
There was wailing all over the street after the accident.
natural
The mother's wailing could be heard from outside the house.
natural
I couldn't concentrate at all with that constant wailing next door.
natural