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

• beat
• palpitation
• pulsation
• pulse
• throb

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

Sentencing for two other officers involved in the beating, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., was also set for next week. —Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025

Ukrainians said they were subjected to beatings, electric shocks and dog attacks by Russian authorities, not only to extract information but to intimidate and humiliate them. —Richard Engel, NBC news, 11 June 2025

Then-President George H.W. Bush last used it to tamp down violence in Los Angeles after a jury acquitted police officers in the beating of motorist Rodney King. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 10 June 2025

When four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King, President George H.W. Bush expressed the shock and horror many Americans felt. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025

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