bleated; bleating; bleats
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
: to utter in a bleating manner
bleater
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
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
Nena Farrell, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024
In one number, Swinton, who goes glossy-eyed to show the cracks in her high-fashion veneer, poses in a transparent rain slicker while bleating raw, yowling noises that blend with the despairing strings.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2024
Use calls, such as bleats, grunts, snort-wheezes, grunt-snort-wheezes, and more.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bleat 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
There's a smaller library of 15 sounds, ranging from the classic white noise and waves to the sound of goats bleating and a bustling café.
—Nena Farrell, WIRED, 7 Dec. 2024
In one number, Swinton, who goes glossy-eyed to show the cracks in her high-fashion veneer, poses in a transparent rain slicker while bleating raw, yowling noises that blend with the despairing strings.
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
Nor is there evidence, much as Trump’s supporters bleat otherwise, that Biden or DOJ influenced the Georgia racketeering charges or the Manhattan case, which was under investigation before either the president or District Attorney Alvin Bragg were elected.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2024
Use calls, such as bleats, grunts, snort-wheezes, grunt-snort-wheezes, and more.
—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bleat
Dictionary Entries Near bleat
Cite this Entry
“Bleat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bleat. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bleat
1 of 2 verb1
: 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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