Meaning

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

  "She let out a loud, doleful wail."

• Any similar sound as of lamentation; a howl.

  "A bird's wail in the night."

• A sound made by emergency vehicle sirens, contrasted with "yelp" which is higher-pitched and faster.

Meaning

• To cry out, as in sorrow or anguish.

• To weep, lament persistently or bitterly.

• To make a noise like mourning or crying.

  "The wind wailed and the rain streamed down."

• To lament; to bewail; to grieve over.

  "to wail one's death"

• To perform with great liveliness and force.