Bleating

Bleating is the characteristic vocalization of a goat or sheep, a plaintive, often high-pitched, and repetitive cry. This sound is typically associated with distress, hunger, or a desire for attention. Beyond its literal meaning, 'bleating' can metaphorically describe a similar sound or behavior in humans, often indicating a whimpering, complaining, or pleading tone of voice or a weak, ineffectual expression of need. The term can also be used to depict a repetitive and monotonous sound or action that is perceived as annoying or tiresome.

Bleating meaning with examples

• The lost lamb's bleating echoed across the valley, a mournful sound that tugged at the farmer's heart. Its cries grew louder as it searched desperately for its mother, its voice thick with the terror of being alone. The frantic bleating persisted until the farmer finally located its mother, and reunited the lamb to a chorus of contented baas.
• The protesters' bleating complaints about the new tax regulations fell on deaf ears, as the government proceeded with their implementation. They made repetitive, almost pathetic noises that became background noise to anyone walking by the government building, it was the sound of a lost cause.
• The old engine's bleating roar was a familiar but unwelcome sound to the neighborhood, a constant reminder of the aging vehicle. The noisy bleating coming from its exhaust pipe announced its arrival and departure, waking many of its neighbors, day after day.
• The child's incessant bleating, when she didn't get her way, drove her parents to the brink of despair, turning into a form of manipulation to get attention. Her cries were a constant test of patience, a repetitive plea for toys, sweets or video games. After a while the sound became a repetitive nuisance.