Definition

1. Noun:

   • The characteristic cry of a sheep: The sound made by sheep, typically represented as "baa."

2. Verb:

   • To make the characteristic cry of a sheep: To utter the sound "baa."

Usage

• As a Noun: Used to name or describe the sound itself.
• As a Verb: Used to describe the action of a sheep making its sound. It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object).

Examples

• Noun:

  • The quiet field was broken only by the occasional baa from a lamb.
  • She imitated the baa of a sheep perfectly.

• Verb:

  • The lost lamb began to baa loudly for its mother.
  • You could hear the sheep baa from across the valley.

Advanced Usage

• Onomatopoeia: "Baa" is an onomatopoeic word, meaning it phonetically imitates the sound it describes.
• Figurative Use: Sometimes used to describe a person speaking in a weak, complaining, or plaintive manner.
  • He didn't argue; he just baaed a meek complaint.

Variants and Related Words

• Bleat: (verb/noun) A synonym for "baa," often used interchangeably, though "bleat" can also describe a similar weak, complaining tone in human speech.
• Baaing: (gerund/noun) The continuous act or sound of sheep crying.
  • The constant baaing from the pen was soothing to the shepherd.

Synonyms

• Bleat: (verb/noun) The most direct synonym.
• Cry: (verb) A more general term for an animal's vocalization.

Related Phrases

• (To) bleat out: To say something in a weak, complaining voice.
  • "It's not fair," she bleated out.

Idioms

• Separate the sheep from the goats: This idiom, meaning to distinguish good from bad or valuable from worthless, is related to the animal but does not directly use the word "baa."

Noun

1. the cry made by sheep

Verb

1. cry plaintively
   • The lambs were bleating