bleep

[ bleep ]

noun

1. a brief, constant beeping sound, usually of a high pitch and generated by an electronic device.
2. such an electronic sound used to replace a censored word or phrase, as on a television broadcast.
3. Also (used as a euphemism to indicate the omission or deletion of an obscenity or other objectionable word.)

verb (used without object)

1. (of an electronic device) to emit a series of bleeps as an audible signal, summons, or warning.

verb (used with object)

1. Also to censor (an obscene, vulgar, or other objectionable word or phrase) from a radio or television broadcast by deleting from the audio signal, leaving a gap or an electronic tone:

   The word was bleeped out of the comedian's routine.

bleep

/ bliːp /

noun

1. a short high-pitched signal made by an electronic apparatus; beep
2. another word for bleeper

verb

1. intr to make such a noise
2. tr to call (someone) by triggering the bleeper he or she is wearing

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleep¹

First recorded in 1950–55; perhaps imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleep¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

He said the alarms were all connected, so if one sounded, they all sounded, and a smoke alarm might bleep if the main power supply had been cut off and the battery power was low.

From BBC

“My point is this,” Stewart said, launching into a bleeped outcry.

From Los Angeles Times

He drills one kid in the back with a pass, knocking him over, then screams at him, “Get your head out of your …” with his curse word bleeped out.

From Los Angeles Times

Transmissions are vetted and broadcast on delay and swear words are bleeped out.

From BBC

Team radio transmissions are always vetted before broadcast and are transmitted on delay so swearing can be bleeped.

From BBC

Related Words

• annul
• black out
• cross out
• cut out
• destroy
• eliminate
• erase
• expunge
• omit
• remove
• wipe out