1. To cry out loudly and mournfully: This is the most common meaning of "wail". It's used to describe a long, high-pitched cry that expresses intense grief or sadness.
* Example: The mourners wailed in sorrow at the funeral.
2. To make a loud, mournful sound: This meaning applies to non-human things, like wind or sirens, that make a sound similar to a human wail.
* Example: The wind wailed through the trees, sounding like a mournful cry.
3. To complain bitterly: This meaning emphasizes the expression of dissatisfaction or anger.
* Example: He wailed about the unfairness of it all.
4. (Informal) To whine or complain: This meaning is similar to the previous one, but implies a more childish or petulant tone.
* Example: She wailed to her mother about having to clean her room.
In summary: "Wail" usually signifies a loud, mournful sound, whether it's a human expressing grief or something else making a similar sound. It can also be used to describe complaining or whining.