bleat

[ bleet ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter the cry of a sheep, goat, or calf or a sound resembling such a cry.

verb (used with object)

1. to give forth with or as if with a bleat:

   He bleated his objections in a helpless rage.

2. to babble; prate.

noun

1. the cry of a sheep, goat, or calf.
2. any similar sound:

   the bleat of distant horns.

3. foolish, complaining talk; babble:

   I listened to their inane bleat all evening.

bleat

/ bliːt /

verb

1. intr (of a sheep, goat, or calf) to utter its characteristic plaintive cry
2. intr to speak with any similar sound
3. to whine; whimper

noun

1. the characteristic cry of sheep, goats, and young calves
2. any sound similar to this
3. a weak complaint or whine

Derived Forms

• ˈbleating, nounadjective
• ˈbleater, noun

Other Words From

• bleater noun
• bleating·ly adverb
• outbleat verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleat¹

before 1000; Middle English bleten, Old English blǣtan; cognate with Dutch blaten, Old High German blāzen; akin to Latin flēre to weep

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleat¹

Old English blǣtan ; related to Old High German blāzen , Dutch blaten , Latin flēre to weep; see blare

Example Sentences

“If you're going to be a professional criminal, you'll be in the nick from time to time, and while you're there you make the best of it and don't bleat about it,” he said.

From BBC

Utter it audibly, and someone within earshot might bleat, “Ugh.”

From Los Angeles Times

The sheep let out a complaining bleat.

From Literature

Today, GOP fundraising appeals bleat about the state’s residents — especially Hollywood celebrities and tech billionaires — fueling Democratic campaigns, despite the fact that the state also provides an outsize amount of political donations to Republican candidates.

From Los Angeles Times

He chattered, a cross between his dainty meow and a goat’s bleat, usually reserved for when he’s spotted a bird through the sliding glass door.

From Literature