bleat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, can be informal when used figuratively.
Quick answer
What does “bleat” mean?
The characteristic crying sound made by a sheep or goat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The characteristic crying sound made by a sheep or goat.
To speak or complain in a weak, whining, or foolish manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use literal and figurative senses identically.
Connotations
In both varieties, the figurative use carries a negative connotation of weakness and irritation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Slightly more common in British rural contexts for the literal sense.
Grammar
How to Use “bleat” in a Sentence
[Subject] bleats[Subject] bleats [Object (sound/words)][Subject] bleats about [Topic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bleat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lambs began to bleat for their mother.
- Stop bleating on about the weather and put a coat on!
American English
- The goat bleated loudly from the pen.
- He just bleated his objections without any constructive ideas.
adjective
British English
- The bleating cry of the sheep carried across the valley.
American English
- We heard a bleating sound coming from the barn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically to dismiss weak complaints: 'He just bleated about the new policy instead of proposing solutions.'
Academic
Very rare, except in specific fields like zoology or literature analysis.
Everyday
Most common in rural settings for the literal meaning. Figurative use occurs in informal criticism.
Technical
Used in animal husbandry and veterinary science for the literal sound.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bleat”
- Using 'bleat' to describe any loud complaint (it implies weakness).
- Pronouncing it as /bleɪt/ (like 'blade' without the 'd').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for sheep and goats. Using it for other animals (e.g., a cow) would be unusual and considered figurative or incorrect.
It is dismissive and pejorative. It implies the speaker is weak, foolish, or irritating, so it should be used carefully, especially in direct address.
Both describe complaining sounds. 'Bleat' specifically evokes the weak, nasal cry of a sheep and is more metaphorical. 'Whine' is more general for a high-pitched, annoying complaint and is more commonly used.
Yes. 'Bleat' is also a noun meaning the sound itself, e.g., 'The ewe answered with a soft bleat.'
The characteristic crying sound made by a sheep or goat.
Bleat is usually neutral, can be informal when used figuratively. in register.
Bleat: in British English it is pronounced /bliːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /bliːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bleat like a sheep”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sheep saying 'BAA-LEAT' – it bleats.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAK/ANNOYING SPEECH IS ANIMAL NOISE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the figurative use of 'bleat' MOST appropriate?