Bleat/bliːt/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Animal Sound Used to describe sounds of certain animals, not just sheep. The goat bleated as we approached. Pro Tip 2/3Nature Imagery Invokes rural or pastoral imagery; often used in literature. The bleat of the lambs filled the spring air. Pro Tip 3/3Sign of Distress May indicate that an animal is in pain or discomfort. The bleating increased when the farmer approached the injured sheep.