beast

noun

ˈbēst How to pronounce beast (audio)
Synonyms of beastnext
1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from other animals
b
: an animal that is not a human being
c
: an animal as distinguished from a plant
d
: an animal under human control
2
: a contemptible person
3
: something formidably difficult to control or deal with

Synonyms of beast

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Examples of beast in a Sentence

dogs and other four-footed beasts the birds and beasts of the forest They were attacked by a savage beast. He's a cruel, hateful beast!
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.
Some of the fiercest beasts of prey in your garden are on your side. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 Successive administrations tolerated his feed-the-beast strategy—not agreeing with it but also not bringing any pressure to bear. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 In those times, encountering a large beast like a massive snake, jaguar, or raptor could mean life or death. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 July 2026 The World Cup has grown into a beast like no other event in sport. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beast

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beste, from Anglo-French, from Latin bestia

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Phrases Containing beast

Rhymes for beast

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Browse Nearby Words

beaslings
beast
beast epic
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Cite this Entry

“Beast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beast. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beast

noun
ˈbēst How to pronounce beast (audio)
1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from human beings and from lower animals both with and without backbones
b
: a farm animal especially when kept for heavy work
2
: a mean or brutal person

More from Merriam-Webster on beast

Nglish: Translation of beast for Spanish Speakers

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