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

The marathon runner felt a keening desire to cross the finish line and claim victory.

The women gathered in the cemetery, their voices intertwining in a mournful keening that honored the departed.