keening

Example Sentences

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Keening, derived from the Irish word "caoineadh", meaning "to cry", is a traditional vocal lament for the dead and was once a central part of funeral rites in Ireland.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2025

Keening post-Neil Young vocals in the manner of Mercury Rev, Flaming Lips and Band of Horses?

From The Guardian • Apr. 22, 2010

An aged desolation She sits by old Shannon's flowing, A mother of many children, Of children exiled and dead, In her home, with bent head, homeless, Clasping her knees she sits, Keening, keening!

From A Book of Irish Verse Selected from modern writers with an introduction and notes by W. B. Yeats by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)

Keening is not used, or treachery, in the tilled familiar land; there is nothing hard or rough, but sweet music striking on the ear.

From Gods and Fighting Men by Gregory, Lady

Every old man, every strong man, every child, Our young men and our well-dressed women, Keening, complaining, and reproaching; Going under the power of the Gall or going across the sea.

From Poets and Dreamers Studies and translations from the Irish by Gregory, Lady