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beast

noun
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\ ˈbēst How to pronounce beast (audio) \

Definition of beast

1a : a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrate
b : a lower animal as distinguished from 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
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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!
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Recent Examples on the Web The beast died a while later in a Malappuram district river, according to a heartbreaking Facebook post by wildlife official Mohan Krishnan, who wasn’t able to rescue her. — Fox News, "Pregnant elephant dies after reportedly being fed pineapple filled with explosives," 4 June 2020 Now, the hunt is on for a new jockey to steer this peculiar beast. — The Economist, "Charlemagne How a dining club briefly took over the EU," 20 June 2020 Based on an analysis of 259 modern reptiles and their eggs, an ancient beast known as a mosasaur would seem to match description, according to SWNS. — Fox News, "World’s largest reptile egg discovered on Antarctica," 18 June 2020 In a matter of weeks, Ogle, who only knew how to play classic guitar, taught herself how to play an electric one — an entirely different beast. — Cheryl Hall, Dallas News, "CEO rocks it on stage: ‘Don’t listen to the naysayers who say you can’t be successful and a woman’," 7 June 2020 The majestic beast and lush mountains faded into the rear view like a dream. — Matt Wyatt, ExpressNews.com, "Pagosa Springs: Gateway to San Juan Mountains and base camp for anglers," 6 June 2020 With 50 mm drivers, this green beast provides thundering and crisp sound quality. — Popular Science, "The best gaming headphones for an immersive experience," 4 June 2020 Yet this emerging beast called the Big East Conference was impossible to ignore. — Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY, "Why do I love sports? Because in 1985, Villanova's perfect game toppled the Georgetown dynasty," 4 June 2020 Plague Doctor is clearly a very different beast, taking itself much more seriously. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "A detective hunts a costumed vigilante in Major Grom: Plague Doctor trailer," 4 June 2020

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.

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First Known Use of beast

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

History and Etymology for beast

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

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Time Traveler for beast

Time Traveler

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

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Statistics for beast

Last Updated

3 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Beast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beast. Accessed 14 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for beast

beast

noun
How to pronounce beast (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of beast

old-fashioned : an animal especially : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual
old-fashioned : an unkind or cruel person
informal : a person or thing of a particular kind

See the full definition for beast in the English Language Learners Dictionary

beast

noun
\ ˈbēst How to pronounce beast (audio) \

Kids Definition of beast

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on beast

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for beast

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with beast

Spanish Central: Translation of beast

Nglish: Translation of beast for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of beast for Arabic Speakers

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