Keening

The keening whistle of the tea kettle signaled that the water had boiled.

The keening whistle of the teapot signaled that the water was boiling.

The widow sat alone in her empty house, keening softly for the husband she had lost.

The ancient ritual involved participants keening together to honor their ancestors.

The keening shriek of the fireworks lit up the night sky.

The injured bird emitted a keening cry, signaling its distress.