Definition of beast
1a : a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrateb : a lower animal as distinguished from a human beingc : an animal as distinguished from a plantd : an animal under human control
2 : a contemptible person
3 : something formidably difficult to control or deal with
Read the Latest from M-W
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 of beast from the Web
-
With so much to look at, from Rube Goldberg-like contraptions to a beast spewing fire and lots of gears and pendulums, the technical wizardry eventually became sensory overload.
-
Most that have seen the Lake Norman Monster seem to agree that the beast is more fish like, with a slender body, thick whisker like appendages, flippers and a ragged looking dorsal fin.
-
The Supreme Court has upheld neutral public campaign funding in the past, but the democracy-voucher program is an altogether different beast.
-
Alabama-Florida State is a whole different beast, however.
-
Ed Lockwood knows that sitting on the back of a one-ton beast carries the risk of serious injury -- even death.
-
L.A. is certainly a different beast than most urban centers—
-
Around noon, a tractor pulled out the red, wooden beast, nearly 30 feet long, 13,000 pounds and still bearing a legacy if no longer a live band.
-
This post will also not mention theories, because theories are a whole separate beast.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'beast.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of beast
Middle English beste, from Anglo-French, from Latin bestia
Other Zoology Terms
BEAST Defined for English Language Learners
beast
playDefinition of beast for English Language Learners
-
: an animal; especially : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual
-
: an unkind or cruel person
-
: a person or thing of a particular kind
BEAST Defined for Kids
beast
playDefinition of beast for Students
1 : a mammal with four feet (as a bear or deer) especially as distinguished from human beings beasts of the forest
2 : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual
3 : a farm animal especially when kept for work beasts of burden
4 : a horrid person
Learn More about beast
-
See words that rhyme with beast Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for beast Spanish Central: Translation of beast Nglish: Translation of beast for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of beast for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up beast? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!