beeping

word · lemma: beep

/ˈbipɪŋ/
BEE-ping
/bˈiːpɪŋ/
BEE-ping

Definition

A short, high electronic sound made by a machine, phone, alarm, or similar device. It can also describe the action of making that sound.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in everyday speech for phones, microwaves, trucks, hospital machines, and alarms: 'a beeping sound', 'the phone kept beeping'. As an adjective/participle, it often describes something annoying or repeated. Do not confuse it with 'ringing', which is more common for phones and bells.

Example Sentences

I hear a beeping sound in the kitchen.

basic

The truck is beeping while it backs up.

basic

My phone keeps beeping during class.

basic

Can you check that beeping alarm? It's driving me crazy.

natural

Something started beeping in my bag, and everyone turned around.

natural

If the machine starts beeping again, call the nurse right away.

natural