bleat

1 of 2

verb

ˈblēt How to pronounce bleat (audio)
Northern also
ˈblat How to pronounce bleat (audio)
Southern usually
ˈblāt How to pronounce bleat (audio)
bleated; bleating; bleats

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make the natural cry of a sheep or goat
also : to utter a similar sound
b
2
a
: to talk complainingly or with a whine
b

transitive verb

: to utter in a bleating manner
bleater noun

bleat

2 of 2

noun

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 in a Sentence

Verb The lamb bleated as I approached. “But why can't I go?” she bleated. The labor union is always bleating about the management. Noun a very patient, understanding person who accepts life's inconveniences without a bleat
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Then Elliott bashes the bleating thing’s brains in. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025 The pasture behind the barn is a blur of adolescent goats bleating, bolting, and knocking one another down. Scott Clark As Told To Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
Moments later, the bear rushes in, bites the fawn in the back, and violently shakes it as the fawn lets out piercing bleats. Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025 Goats in real life are smart, sensitive social creatures who communicate through bleats and body language. Michael Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bleat

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English bleten, from Old English blǣtan; akin to Latin flēre to weep, Old English bellan to roar — more at bellow

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1508, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bleat was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bleat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bleat. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bleat

1 of 2 verb
1
: to utter a bleat or similar sound
2
: to speak in a bleating way

bleat

2 of 2 noun
: the characteristic cry of a sheep or goat

More from Merriam-Webster on bleat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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