wailful

[ weyl-fuhl ]

adjective

1. mournful; plaintive.

Other Words From

• wailful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of wailful¹

First recorded in 1535–45; wail + -ful

Example Sentences

She begg'd so long, so wailful, that less they could not do Than force the coffin open, and give the corpse to view.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not going to beat the big drum of sentiment and make a wailful noise.

From Project Gutenberg

The prayers and the wailful chanting passed over his head like waves, his heart was straitened, red sparks whirled before his eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

But although in his attention to the wailful melody of the words he scarcely noticed the meaning, something of the old passion and fervor had gone out of his voice.

From Project Gutenberg

From behind his wailful voice the gentle knocking was heard running on.

From Project Gutenberg