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 mournful keening of the women in black veils set a somber tone for the entire funeral procession.

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

The old television emitted a high-pitched keening noise whenever it was turned on.