beep

[ beep ]

noun

1. a short, relatively high-pitched tone produced by a horn, electronic device, or the like as a signal, summons, or warning.
2. one of the periodic signals sounded by a beeper.

verb (used without object)

1. to make or emit such a sound:

   When the timer beeps, take the cake out of the oven.

verb (used with object)

1. to sound (a horn, warning signal, etc.):

   impatient drivers beeping their horns.

2. to announce, warn, summon, etc., by beeping:

   The doctor was beeped to call the hospital.

beep

/ biːp /

noun

1. a short high-pitched sound, esp one made by the horn of a car, bicycle, etc, or by electronic apparatus

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a noise

Derived Forms

• ˈbeeper, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beep¹

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of beep¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Mr Brown said he also heard “a few beeps” on the fire alarm.

From BBC

Verbal abuse, wolf whistles, beeps from cars and inappropriate comments.

From BBC

But at its beating, beeping heart is a profound parenting parable akin to “The Giving Tree.”

From Los Angeles Times

It beeped during mealtimes, when Bach gave his food to fellow detainees because eating without insulin could cause his blood glucose level to spike to dangerous levels.

From Los Angeles Times

No cries or gurgles, the unnerving silence in the room is only broken by the high-pitched beeps of a pulse rate monitor.

From BBC