To utter the characteristic cry of a sheep, goat, or calf; a plaintive, wavering cry. It can also mean to speak or complain in a weak, whiny, or querulous manner. The sound often carries connotations of vulnerability, distress, or helplessness, both physically and metaphorically. Beyond livestock, 'bleat' is used to describe a sound that is thin, high-pitched and weak, such as a hesitant cry or complaint. It implies a lack of confidence or strength in the voice and the underlying emotion.
Bleat meaning with examples
- The lost lamb began to bleat pitifully, its cries echoing across the empty field, a sound that tugged at her heart, signaling both its fear and desperation. The shepherd hurried to find the little animal.
- The child started to bleat, her lower lip trembling, when she didn't get the toy she wanted, which caused her father to feel guilty for his rejection. She stomped off in a fury.
- Despite the band's attempts to create a menacing sound, the instrument's thin, reedy tone produced a bleat that undermined any sense of dread, sounding like a baby goat.
- During the negotiation, the junior partner started to bleat about the unfavorable terms of the agreement, a display that undermined any leverage he may have had, in the room.
- The old radio emitted a series of clicks and a weak bleat, before finally falling silent. The man sighed at his loss, which was a shame.
Bleat Crossword Answers
3 Letters
MAA BAA CRY
4 Letters
BLAT
5 Letters
BLATE WHINE TABLE
7 Letters
WHIMPER
8 Letters
COMPLAIN