beep

Everyday

1. A beep is a short, high sound made by a machine, like a microwave, a car horn or a phone. tree →
2. To beep means to make this sound, or to sound a car horn. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a beep is a signal: the microwave is done, a smoke alarm battery is low, a door is left open. In safety lessons a beeping smoke alarm must be told to an adult. Phrases: «beep the horn», «a beeping sound», «leave a message after the beep».

Examples

• The microwave beeped when the popcorn was ready. tree →
• Dad beeped the horn to say goodbye. tree →
• Please leave a message after the beep. tree →
• The smoke alarm keeps beeping. tree →
• My watch beeps every hour. tree →
• The scanner beeped at the checkout. tree →
• The truck beeps when it reverses. tree →

Note

Regular verb. A single chirp every minute from a smoke alarm usually means the battery is low; tell an adult to change it, don't just take it out. Similar sounds: buzz, ping, honk (car horn).