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
Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Set on a remote Scottish island, the film follows siblings Isla (Rankin) and Sandy (O’Rourke), who spend their days hunting birds, conversing with mythical beings, and fiercely fending off outsiders.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Starring Bosco Wong and Karena Ng, the story revisits the supernatural world of vampire hunters and immortal beings living among humans, blending romance, action and exorcism mythology.
—Faye Bradley, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Upon entering the dense Finnish forest, I was introduced to the creation myth that begins the national epic of Finland and Karelia, The Kalevala – where the world is created through both songs and the becoming of organic beings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for being
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Noun
And for the time being, the girlfriend rumors are just that – rumors.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Set on a remote Scottish island, the film follows siblings Isla (Rankin) and Sandy (O’Rourke), who spend their days hunting birds, conversing with mythical beings, and fiercely fending off outsiders.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Starring Bosco Wong and Karena Ng, the story revisits the supernatural world of vampire hunters and immortal beings living among humans, blending romance, action and exorcism mythology.
—Faye Bradley, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Upon entering the dense Finnish forest, I was introduced to the creation myth that begins the national epic of Finland and Karelia, The Kalevala – where the world is created through both songs and the becoming of organic beings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for being
Cite this Entry
“Being.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/being. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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