How to pronounce wailing
Say it like WAY-ling. Wailing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY).
- WAY
- ling
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wailing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- lingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of wailing
American and British speakers say wailing in essentially the same way: /ˈweɪlɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈweɪlɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: WAY-ling.
What does wailing mean?
- A loud drawn out scream or howl.
- present participle and gerund of wail How to pronounce wail“Craig ran off wailing because his friend pulled a prank on him.”
Where does wailing come from?
From wail + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- bawling
- lamenting
- wailful
Words that rhyme with wailing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of wailing.
Words that sound like wailing
Questions about saying wailing
How do you pronounce wailing?
Say WAY-ling. The American pronunciation is /ˈweɪlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈweɪlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wailing?
Wailing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAY). Broken into parts: WAY · ling.
Do Americans and Brits say wailing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈweɪlɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈweɪlɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as wailing?
Wailing sounds the same as whaling in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.