beating

noun

beat·​ing ˈbē-tiŋ 

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

• pulse
• throb
• beat

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

For years, Chafin and his deputies had been paid by coal mine operators to suppress union activity, using intimidation, beatings, arrests, and evictions to keep the UMWA out of the county. — Elijah Tanall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

Investigators allege the beatings occurred after the pledge failed to correctly answer questions about the fraternity. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

Those who oppose the Mexican Mafia, or fail to follow the edicts of the gang’s leaders, are often targeted for beatings or even death. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 22 July 2026

That's even truer if your body is taking a further beating from the mountain biking, skiing, surfing, kiteboarding, climbing or other serious physical activities that await at your destination. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing beating

• beating reed
• breast-beating
• take a beating
• take some beating
• world-beating

Rhymes for beating

• bleating
• cheating
• eating
• fleeting
• greeting
• heating
• meeting
• seating
• sheeting
• sweeting
• treating
• accreting