Does a baby feature in your novel? Do you want to know how to describe a baby crying in writing? Scroll down to learn about 10 descriptive words that can be used to do this.
1. Wailing
Definition
Shrieking, howling: A loud, prolonged, mournful cry or sound.
Examples
“The baby’s wailing echoed through the silent house, causing unease among the adults.”
“In the quiet hospital room, the sudden wailing of the newborn sent the nurses into action.”
How it Adds Description
The use of “wailing” paints a picture of an intense, long-lasting cry, instantly creating a sense of urgency or distress. This could indicate various situations – perhaps a baby is feeling discomfort, or maybe an intense situation is unfolding, and the baby’s wail signifies the emotional peak of the scene. It describes the sound and adds emotional depth to a scene.
2. Piercing
Definition
Shrill, acute: so high-pitched it causes discomfort.
Examples
“The piercing cry of the baby cut through the peaceful afternoon.”
“As the piercing wail of the baby filled the air, all other sounds seemed to fade into the background.”
How it Adds Description
The word “piercing” emphasizes the shrill, disturbing quality of the baby’s cry, suggesting it is almost painful to hear. It can be used to accentuate a contrast between the cry and a previously calm or quiet environment, indicating a dramatic interruption or change. This could be used to introduce conflict or tension in a story or to draw the attention of the characters to the baby.
3. Desperate
Definition
Frantic, hopeless: a sense that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to handle.
Examples
“Her baby’s desperate cries filled the room, highlighting her sense of helplessness.”
“The sound of the baby’s cry sounded desperate as it echoed through the empty hallways, signaling the urgency of the situation.”
How it Adds Description
“Desperate” conveys a sense of urgency and helplessness. It suggests the baby’s needs are immediate and serious, heightening the stakes of the situation. The word could push characters into immediate action, serve as a turning point in the narrative, or reflect a character’s emotional state of despair or fear.
4. Plaintive
Definition
Mournful, sorrowful: expressing melancholy.
Examples
“The plaintive wail of the baby filled the air, mirroring the gloomy atmosphere of the room.”
“As the baby’s plaintive cries echoed through the hall, a sense of melancholy washed over her.”
How it Adds Description
“Plaintive” imbues the baby’s cry with a mournful or sorrowful tone, hinting at an underlying sadness. This might infuse a sense of melancholy into a scene, mirroring the emotions of characters, or establishing an emotionally charged atmosphere. It might reflect the internal feelings of a character, or foreshadow a tragic event in the plot.
5. Unceasing
Definition
Nonstop, continual: not coming to an end.
Examples
“The unceasing cries of the baby kept the entire household awake.”
“Despite their best efforts to soothe him, the baby’s unceasing cries continued throughout the night.”
How it Adds Description
The term “unceasing” communicates a sense of relentlessness and persistence. This descriptor can serve to build stress, create an atmosphere of frustration or desperation, or illustrate the struggle of trying to soothe the baby. The ongoing nature of the cry could pressure characters into problem-solving, influencing the development of the story arc.
6. Guttural
Definition
Harsh, throaty: coming from deep in the throat and typically perceived as harsh sounding.
Examples
“The guttural cry of the baby caused a stir among the sleeping household.”
“The baby let out a guttural wail that resonated with the weight of her own grief.”
How it Adds Description
The term “guttural” adds a coarse, primal, and powerful characteristic to the baby’s cry. This could give the scene a raw, intense edge, introducing a sense of discomfort or urgency. It can imply that the baby’s distress is profound, adding emotional intensity and prompting immediate action from the characters.
7. Feeble
Definition
Weak, frail: lacking physical strength or vitality.
Examples
“The feeble cries of the baby spoke volumes about his fragile health.”
“Hearing the baby’s feeble cry over the monitor was pulling at her heartstrings.”
How it Adds Description
“Feeble” implies a lack of strength or vitality in the baby’s cry, proposing a potential vulnerability or illness. This descriptor can infuse an element of concern or tension into the scene, suggesting that the baby’s needs may be more urgent or serious. It can evoke sympathy from the characters and readers and may lead to character actions driven by concern or compassion.
8. Harrowing
Definition
Distressing, agonizing: extremely disturbing.
Examples
“The harrowing cries of the baby left her feeling helpless.”
“In the dimly lit room, the baby’s harrowing wails filled the air, painting a grim picture.”
How it Adds Description
Using “harrowing” to describe the baby’s cry enhances the sense of distress and discomfort being illustrated. This term can add emotional gravity to the scene, perhaps signaling a crisis or extreme stress. Such a heightened state of sensitivity can propel characters into action or deepen the tale’s exploration of character reactions and emotions.
9. Muffled
Definition
Softened, subdued: Being or made softer or less loud or clear.
Examples
“Through the closed door, the baby’s muffled cries were barely audible.”
“Wrapped in her arms, the baby’s cries became a muffled whimper, hinting at her soothing presence.”
How it Adds Description
“Muffled” gives a sense of distance or softness to the baby’s cry. Depending on the context, this can create a sense of intimacy or isolation. It might imply that the baby is being comforted, or alternatively, that the cry is going unheard, each leading to different narrative developments or character responses.
10. Quavering
Definition
Trembling, shaky: shaking or trembling from weakness or fear.
Examples
“The quavering cries of the baby reflected her own uncertainty.”
“In the dead of night, the baby’s quavering cry seemed to fill the darkness with an eerie sense of dread.”
How it Adds Description
“Quavering” implies a sense of fear, uncertainty, or weakness in the baby’s cry. This can create an emotional connection between the baby’s state and the overarching mood of the scene, perhaps highlighting vulnerability or anxiety. It can reflect or foreshadow character emotions or contribute to the formation of an unsettling atmosphere.