wailing
Translation
wailing, lamentation, crying
Examples
The wailing of the siren filled the night.
The wailing of the siren filled the night.
We could hear the wailing of the mourners.
We could hear the wailing of the mourners.
Grammar Patterns
((the)) wailing ((of sb./sth.)) a long, loud cry of pain or sadness The wailing of the siren filled the night.
Similar Words
Synonyms: crying, sobbing, moaning; Antonyms: laughing, cheering
Etymology
From Old Norse 'væla', meaning 'to lament'. Related to the word 'woe'.
Memory Tips
Imagine the sound of a 'wailing' whale, a long, sad sound.