wail

Everyday

1. To wail is to cry out with a long, loud, high sound because of pain, sadness or anger. tree →
2. A wail is such a long cry. tree →
3. Things like sirens or the wind can also wail. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows deep sadness or a baby's crying, or creates spooky sounds (the wind wailing). Phrases: let out a wail, wail with grief, the wail of a siren.

Examples

• The baby began to wail when her toy fell. tree →
• The siren wailed as the ambulance raced past. tree →
• The wind wailed around the old house. tree →
• "It's not fair!" he wailed. tree →
• A long wail came from the forest. tree →
• The mourners wailed at the funeral. tree →
• It wailed through the ship, and died away. tree →

Note

Regular verb: wailed, wailing. Homophone: whale (the sea animal). Similar: howl, moan, sob.

In Jewish tradition

In Genesis, a loud, sorrowing cry of mourning.

Interpretation. The loud mourning for Jacob shows how seriously the dead are honored. Tradition draws on this for mourning customs such as the seven days of shiva.

Examples

• And they came to the threshing-floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they wailed with a very great and sore wailing; and he made a mourning for his father seven days. (Torah GEN.50.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Son of man, prophesy, and say: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Wail ye: Woe worth the day! (Prophets EZK.30.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Therefore shall Moab wail for Moab, every one shall wail; for the sweet cakes of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn, sorely stricken. (Prophets ISA.16.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Moab is put to shame, for it is dismayed; wail and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled. (Prophets JER.48.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: wailed, wailing. Homophone: whale (the sea animal). Similar: howl, moan, sob.