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
3

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.
Today, Cordell reflects on his beating stoically. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026 Outside spending and guidance, Amazon's reported fourth quarter results were solid, with revenue and operating income beating expectations. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2026 The beating allegedly occurred multiple times, intensifying the boy’s crying. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026 Tomlyn described it as a vicious beating. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Beating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beating. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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