1
a
: the quality or state of having existence
a social movement that came into being in the 1960s
artistic form comes into being only when two elements are successfully fused—
Carlos Lynes
Carlos Lynes
b(1)
: something that is conceivable and hence capable of existing
(2)
: something that actually exists
(3)
: the totality of existing things
c
: conscious existence : life
2
: the qualities that constitute an existent thing : essence
I knew it was true in the core of my being.
especially
: personality
3
: a living thing
sentient beings
a mythical being
: present
—used in the phrase for the time being
plans to remain single for the time being
being
4 of 4present participle of be
Examples of being in a Sentence
Noun
a social movement that was brought into being in the 1960s
I knew it was true in the core of my being.
Conjunction
being as how I paid for lunch, I'd appreciate it if you picked up the tab for dinner
Recent Examples on the Web
Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The most obvious being that mice were used, so results can’t be directly applied to humans yet.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
Cosmic beings, the sky is still rippling with the emotional, existential echoes of last week’s Jupiter–Chiron square, and many of us are noticing which parts of our inner child still feel exposed, reactive, or defensive.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 26 Oct. 2025
That small question sparks an incredible journey filled with mystery, time travel, battles, and ancient beings known as Watchers.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for being
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Noun
For the time being, the player and team will need to find a way forward and optimize his limited time on the court.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
The most obvious being that mice were used, so results can’t be directly applied to humans yet.
—New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025
Cosmic beings, the sky is still rippling with the emotional, existential echoes of last week’s Jupiter–Chiron square, and many of us are noticing which parts of our inner child still feel exposed, reactive, or defensive.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 26 Oct. 2025
That small question sparks an incredible journey filled with mystery, time travel, battles, and ancient beings known as Watchers.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for being
Cite this Entry
“Being.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/being. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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