- present participle of keen.
keening
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gilgamesh’s lament is not the stylized keening of epic tradition—not Achilles’ highfalutin howls after Hector strikes down Patroclus—but something rawer, humbler, more recognizably human.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026
The tone of his voice is high, a keening sound.
From BBC ● Oct. 19, 2024
When she sang on Coleman’s 1972 LP “Science Fiction” — keening improvisation cutting through a ferocious band — the sax legend gave her a warning about America.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2024
In these wondrously transporting images of juddering waves and swirling particles, accompanied by the rumbling, surging, keening strains of Ludwig Göransson’s magnificent score, Nolan makes a rare leap into realms of pure cinematic abstraction.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2023
Before I can make up my mind about him, I become aware that there are others moving toward the place, drawn by the old man’s keening.
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
