How to Pronounce Wail

To pronounce "wail", say WAIL — one syllable, IPA /weɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

wail

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Accent

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/weɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “wail”

"wail" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with gale and avail, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: whale, wale, weyl — easy to mix up when writing.

What does wail mean?

noun

  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.

    “A bird's wail in the night.”

verb

  1. To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.
  2. To weep, lament persistently or bitterly.

Words that rhyme with wail

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

galeavailfrailassailtravailprevailentailstaleunveilailbalequail

Related words

mewlwhimperpuleplaintululatehowlroarlamentation

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "wail"?▾

"Wail" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "wail"?▾

The IPA transcription of "wail" is /weɪl/.

What does "wail" mean?▾

Wail: A prolonged cry, usually high-pitched, especially as of grief or anguish.

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