First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1bleat
verb \ˈblēt, Northern also ˈblat, Southern usually ˈblāt\
: to make the sound that a sheep or goat makes
: to speak or complain in an annoying way
Full 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
See bleat defined for English-language learners
See bleat defined for kids
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Origin of BLEAT
Middle English bleten, from Old English blǣtan; akin to Latin flēre to weep, Old English bellan to roar — more at bellow
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
noun
Definition 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
First Known Use of BLEAT
circa 1505
BLEATER Defined for Kids
1bleat
verb \ˈblēt\
bleat·edbleat·ing
Definition of BLEAT for Kids
: to make the cry of a sheep, goat, or calf
2bleat
noun
Definition of BLEAT for Kids
: the sound made by a sheep, goat, or calf
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