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DictionarycheepShort birdlike sound
noun / verb

cheep

CHEEP/tʃiːp/

A short, high-pitched birdlike sound, or to make this sound.

The newly hatched chicks cheep softly beneath the warmth of the lamp.

A tiny downy chick stands with its head raised and beak slightly open in a brief peeping call, its small body and delicate calling posture emphasizing a high bird sound.
Etymology

Cheep was formed in imitation of a short, high bird call rather than from a word with another meaning. Its earliest recorded use was Scottish.

More examples

  • A tiny cheep comes from the nest.
  • The bird cheeped when its parent returned.
  • We heard the nestlings cheeping under the eaves.

Forms

cheep · cheeps · cheeped · cheeping

Similar words

chirp
Chirp is a similar short bird sound; cheep often suggests a thin call from a small or young bird.