beep

American  

[beep] / bip /

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.

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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 British  

/ biːp /

noun

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

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verb

1. to make or cause to make such a noise

Other Word Forms

• beeper noun

Etymology

Origin of beep

First recorded in 1925–30; imitative

Example Sentences

The safe beeped, then there was audible click.

From Literature

“This is only temporary. We’ll be together again soon,” she told him, and Danny took her pinky in his and didn’t let go until his social worker, Mrs. Contreras, beeped the car horn.

From Literature

When she heard the beep to start, Vonn dug her pink ski poles into the snow and set off on a run that already ranked as one of the most audacious in Olympic history.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was putting the groceries onto the counter so that the woman in the pink smock could drive them over the beeping thing with the green and red light.

From Literature

The machine doesn’t beep, though, not like the ones in the movies.

From Literature