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

Potter pointed out that several months ago the Waymo vehicles reduced the volume of its beeping, when the vehicles drive in reverse, when in the lots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now the family are hoping they can have their "cheeky and determined" Kobi at home with them for Christmas, away from the beeping machines and clinical smells of hospital.

Read more on BBC

A timer started beeping, and Leo glanced back at the kitchen.

Read more on Literature

I have replayed, countless times, the moments of her birth: the beeping of the operating room, the orders of the obstetrician and the crippling silence after delivery.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Every now and then, my watch would beep to signal that another mile had passed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal