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v. wailed, wail·ing, wails v.intr. 1. To make a long, loud, high-pitched cry, as in grief, sorrow, or fear. See Synonyms at cry. 2. To make a prolonged, high-pitched sound suggestive of a cry: The wind wailed through the trees. v.tr. Archaic To lament over; bewail. n. 1. A long, loud, high-pitched cry, as of grief or pain. 2. A long, loud, high-pitched sound: the wail of a siren. 3. A loud, bitter protest: A wail of misery went up when new parking restrictions were announced. [Middle English wailen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vāla, vǣla.] wailer n. wailing·ly adv. |
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