being

1 of 4

noun

be·​ing ˈbē(-i)ŋ How to pronounce being (audio)
Synonyms of beingnext
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 fusedCarlos 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
especially : person
a very sexual being

being

2 of 4

adjective

: present
used in the phrase for the time being
plans to remain single for the time being

being

3 of 4

conjunction

chiefly dialectal
: since, because
usually used with as, as how, or that

being

4 of 4

present 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
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.
Noun
They can be sent into space to explore, gather materials, and even manufacture products for less money, as there is less concern for the well-being of the robots. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026 That essentially delays the chances of a Fed rate cut for the time being and could result in higher borrowing costs for a series of products, of which mortgages and mortgage refinance loans won't be excluded. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 Motivated Mars activates your 6th House of Well-being as of today, motivating you to reconfigure routines and direct your formidable focus toward the tasks that truly count. Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 The Scots aren't gatekeeping—they're inviting you in, eager to share something woven into their very being. Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for being

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from gerund of been be

Adjective

Middle English, from present participle of been be

Conjunction

from being entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of being was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Being.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/being. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

being

noun
be·​ing
ˈbē-iŋ
1
: the state of having life or existence
2
: one that exists in fact or thought
3
: a living thing
especially : human being

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