cheep

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a short, high-pitched cry made by a young bird or another small animal

   A faint cheep came from the nest beneath the eaves.

2. 2
   verb

   to make a short, high-pitched cry like a young bird

   The chicks cheep whenever the hen returns with food.

3. 3
   verb

   to say or express something in a thin, chirping voice

   The child cheeped a shy greeting from behind the door.

An imitative word formed to represent a small bird's short, high-pitched call. Its noun and verb uses are recorded from late Middle English, and the sound image later extended to thin human speech and the cries of other small animals.

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