bleat
1bleat
verb \ˈblēt, Northern also ˈblat, Southern usually ˈblāt\Definition of BLEAT
intransitive verb
1
a : to make the natural cry of a sheep or goat; also : to utter a similar sound b : whimper
2
a : to talk complainingly or with a whine b : blather
transitive verb
: to utter in a bleating manner
— bleat·er noun
Examples of BLEAT
- The lamb bleated as I approached.
- “But why can't I go?” she bleated.
- The labor union is always bleating about the management.
Origin of BLEAT
Middle English bleten, from Old English blǣtan; akin to Latin flēre to weep, Old English bellan to roar — more at bellow
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to BLEAT
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, complain, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
2bleat
nounDefinition of BLEAT
1
: the cry of a sheep or goat; also : a similar sound <the bleat of a cell phone>
2
: a feeble outcry, protest, or complaint
Examples of BLEAT
- <a very patient, understanding person who accepts life's inconveniences without a bleat>
First Known Use of BLEAT
circa 1505
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All Words Near: bleat
Previous Word in the Dictionary: bleary–eyed
All Words Near: bleat
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