“Wail” or “Wale” or “Whale”

Overview

wail / wale / whale are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

wail: (verb) cry weakly or softly.

wale: (noun) a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions. (noun) thick plank forming a ridge along the side of a wooden ship.

whale: (noun) any of the larger cetacean mammals having a streamlined body and breathing through a blowhole on the head. (verb) hunt for whales.

Pronunciation

wail: w·EY·l

wale: w·EY·l

whale: w·EY·l

Trends

📈 See Trends