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
Synonyms 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
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

Synonyms of bleat

Relevance

Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Avoiding the protest camp, the livestock were driven through the streets of central Madrid to the sound of bells and bleats. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 However, the animals did survive and seemed set on helping their family survive too, repeatedly bleating and stomping on the debris covering the bunker. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Noun
Receiver pressed to one cheek, Molly listens to the bleat at the line’s other end, in the Peace Action apartment. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 On the southern end of the loop, check out the interactive Bison Center to feel hides, hear the creatures’ varied grunts and bleats, and learn about the park’s efforts to sustainably maintain the herd. — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for bleat

See All Rhymes for bleat

Browse Nearby Words

bleary-eyed
bleat
bleater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bleat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bleat. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bleat

1 of 2 verb
ˈblēt How to pronounce bleat (audio)
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
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