What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
howl
Example
The wolf let out a long howl that echoed through the forest. [howl: noun]
Example
The dog began to howl when it heard the fire alarm. [howling: present participle]
wail
Example
The mourners began to wail at the funeral of their loved one. [wail: verb]
Example
The baby's wailing could be heard throughout the house. [wailing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wail is more commonly used than howl in everyday language. Wail is a versatile word that can be used to describe a variety of emotional expressions, while howl is less common and more specific to certain contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between howl and wail?
Both howl and wail are informal words that are more likely to be used in casual conversation than in formal writing or speech.
