beating

noun

beat·​ing ˈbē-tiŋ How to pronounce beating (audio)
Synonyms of beatingnext
1
: an act of striking with repeated blows so as to injure or damage
also : the injury or damage thus inflicted
2
: pulsation
3
: defeat, setback

Synonyms of beating

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Examples of beating in a Sentence

he wears a pacemaker to help maintain a regular beating of his heart took a beating and ended up in second place
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Police are trying to determine if the two knew each other and what prompted the beating and abduction. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 But if the stock market rally that powers the divide fizzles out, the economy could take a significant beating. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Back in their dorm room after the beating, Valentine watched as Okeadu began to tremble uncontrollably. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 Niall Horan and his girlfriend Amelia Woolley coordinated in heat-beating attire. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beating

Word History

Etymology

Middle English betynge, from gerund of beten "to beat entry 1"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beating was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing beating

Rhymes for beating

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Browse Nearby Words

beatin'est
beating
beating engine
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Cite this Entry

“Beating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beating. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beating

Nglish: Translation of beating for Spanish Speakers

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