Keening

The keening screech of the brakes startled the pedestrians on the sidewalk.

The keening of the steam whistle signaled the departure of the train from the platform.

The traditional keening brought tears to the eyes of all those who listened, capturing the pain of loss in its rawest form.

The piercing sound of keening could be heard from miles away, signaling the loss of a respected community leader.

The haunting melody of the keening bagpipes played at the memorial service brought a sense of solemnity to the occasion.