# bleep

/ˈbɫip/ (US) · /blˈiːp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bleep
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a short, high sound made by a machine. You often hear this sound when a microwave finishes or when a bad word is hidden on TV.

For teachers: a short, high-pitched electronic sound, often used as a signal or to censor offensive language in a broadcast.

## Examples

- The microwave gave a loud bleep when the food was ready.
- The television station had to insert a bleep over the guest's sudden angry outburst during the live interview.
- In a medical setting, the constant bleep of the heart monitor provides a rhythmic reassurance of the patient's stability to the nursing staff on duty.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a verb to describe the act of making the sound or censoring speech.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.