baa

¹ American  

[ba, bah] / bæ, bɑ /

verb (used without object)

baaed, baaing

1. to make the sound of a sheep; bleat.

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noun

1. the bleating cry of a sheep.

B.A.A. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Bachelor of Applied Arts.

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baa ¹ British  

/ bɑː /

verb

1. (intr) to make the cry of a sheep; bleat

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noun

1. the cry made by sheep

BAA ² British  

noun

1. the main airports operator in the United Kingdom; until privatization in 1987, an abbreviation for British Airports Authority

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Etymology

Origin of baa

First recorded in 1580–90; imitative

Explanation

Use the word baa to describe the sound a sheep makes. A lamb might baa for its mother if it finds itself alone. Every language has words that mimic the cries and noises animals make, and in English sheep and goats baa. In Dutch, sheep say bè bè, and in Japanese they say meh meh. The imitative word baa, first recorded in the late 1500s, can be either a noun or a verb, depending how you use it. Baa makes a famous appearance in the well-known children's song "Baa baa Black Sheep."

Example Sentences

All baa myself: Is this Britain's loneliest sheep?

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2023

Bleat, baa, and ragdoll your way through the world getting up to all kinds of goat-flavored shenanigans.

From The Verge • Aug. 23, 2022

He’s all baa and no humbug in the new animated adventure “Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2021

They will bleat and baa and maybe even butt heads.

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 2017

The goat can’t baa, Because his lips Are gripping the pipe — A funny sight for The chickens, Who stay clear.

From "Neighborhood Odes" by Gary Soto