1. A prolonged cry, usually high-pitched, especially as of grief or anguish.
    She let out a loud, doleful wail.
  2. Any similar sound as of lamentation; a howl.
    The wail of snow-dark winter winds.
    A bird's wail in the night.
  3. A sound made by emergency vehicle sirens, contrasted with "yelp" which is higher-pitched and faster.


  1. To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.
  2. To weep, lament persistently or bitterly.
  3. To make a noise like mourning or crying.
    The wind wailed and the rain streamed down.
  4. To lament; to bewail; to grieve over.
    to wail one's death
  5. To perform with great liveliness and force.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To choose; to select.

The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: wail

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!