beep

[beep]

noun

1. a short, relatively high-pitched tone produced by a horn, electronic device, or the like as a signal, summons, or warning.

2. one of the periodic signals sounded by a beeper.

verb (used without object)

1. to make or emit such a sound.

   When the timer beeps, take the cake out of the oven.

verb (used with object)

1. to sound (a horn, warning signal, etc.).

   impatient drivers beeping their horns.

2. to announce, warn, summon, etc., by beeping.

   The doctor was beeped to call the hospital.

beep

/ biːp /

noun

1. a short high-pitched sound, esp one made by the horn of a car, bicycle, etc, or by electronic apparatus

verb

1. to make or cause to make such a noise

Other Word Forms

• beeper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beep¹

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of beep¹

C20: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

While hiking in a forest in the Mount Shasta area with a metal detector, browsing over rocks and dirt, his machine began to beep.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Motorists could be heard beeping their horns and playing loud music, while pedestrians danced, sang and chanted "adadi", which means father in the local Chichewa language.

Read more on BBC

All day and all night, people drive through the traffic circle entrance to campus, beeping their horns - either supporting or in opposition to Kirk.

Read more on BBC

The beeps and bells of the slot machines echo down the Strip - a blur of glittering lights, and performers who never break character.

Read more on BBC

Voices echo through the vast, concrete space and a cacophony of drills and electric lifts beep, buzz and blare.

Read more on Los Angeles Times