zeephttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeep_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezeep, n.
First published 2018

zeepnoun (& interjection)

  1. 1878–
    A high-pitched noise like that produced by friction or something travelling at speed. Also as int. (frequently reduplicated).
    Chiefly used with reference to sounds made by birds or insects.
    1. 1878
      As soon as the cages touched the bees they [sc. the bees] made a ‘zeep’.
      Gleanings Bee Culture April 110/2
    2. 1908
      The bush sparrow stood out vividly... ‘Zeep,’ ‘zeep,’ came out of the dimness.
      J. Burroughs, Leaf & Tendril vi. 120
    3. 1965
      Females of all three [warbler] species give Chips and Zeeps..which probably keep the male aware of the female's presence and location.
      Wilson Bulletin vol. 77 371
    4. a1974
      One hears the soft zeep-zeep of bullets whispering by.
      E. E. Mackin, Suddenly we didn't want to Die (1993) i. 56
    5. 1992
      Another common katydid that tried my patience was..the Fork-Tailed... His sharp two- or four-syllable zeep rang out above the background noises at long irregular intervals.
      V. G. Dethier, Crickets & Katydids, Concerts & Solos 90
    6. 2011
      The [cricket] song is a series of high, buzzy ‘zeeps’.
      J. Himmelman, Cricket Radio v. 79

zeep, n. was first published in June 2018.

zeep, n. was last modified in July 2023.