Keening

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

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 keening shriek of the fireworks lit up the night sky.

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