Bleated Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbleɪtɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A bleated call or cry, typically of a sheep or goat, often used to describe a faint or dying cry.

Examples

• The lost hiker heard a bleated call in the distance.
• The bleated cry of the sheep echoed across the valley.

Synonyms

• Cry
• Call

Antonyms

• Silence
• Voiced

Etymology

From Old English “blætan”, to make a bleating sound, from Proto-Germanic “*blautiz”, from Proto-Indo-European “*bleudh-“, to cry.

Usage Notes

When using “Bleated” in context, it is often used to describe a faint or dying cry, but it can also be used to describe a call or cry in general.

Cultural References

In literature, “Bleated” is used in William Wordsworth’s poem “The Prelude” to describe the cries of sheep.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

• Cry
• Call
• Moan

Collocations

• Bleated cry
• Faint bleated call

Frequency of Use

Somewhat rare, but gaining popularity in modern usage.

Common Misspellings

• Bleeting
• Bleit