being

American  

[bee-ing] / ˈbi ɪŋ /

noun

1. the fact of existing; existence (as opposed to nonexistence).

2. conscious, mortal existence; life.

   Our being is as an instantaneous flash of light in the midst of eternal night.

3. substance or nature.

   of such a being as to arouse fear.

4. something that exists.

   inanimate beings.

5. a living thing.

   strange, exotic beings that live in the depths of the sea.

6. a human being; person.

   the most beautiful being you could imagine.

7. (initial capital letter) God.

8. Philosophy.

   1. that which has actuality either materially or in idea.

   2. absolute existence in a complete or perfect state, lacking no essential characteristic; essence.

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conjunction

1. Nonstandard. since; because; considering that (often followed by as, as how, orthat ).

   Being it's midnight, let's go home.

   Being as how you cooked supper, I'll do the dishes.

being British  

/ ˈbiːɪŋ /

noun

1. the state or fact of existing; existence

2. essential nature; self

   she put her whole being into the part

3. something that exists or is thought to exist, esp something that cannot be assigned to any category

   a being from outer space

4. a person; human being

5. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) actuality Compare becoming

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being Idioms  

1. see for the moment (time being); other things being equal.

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Other Word Forms

• nonbeing noun
• superbeing noun

Etymology

Origin of being

First recorded in 1250–1300; be + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“There was always music but it was never about him being super good at music even though he was just so incredibly talented,” Dusty said.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he will now line up at the Farmers Insurance Open, which is being played at Torrey Pines between 29 January - 1 February, after being offered an earlier route back on to the PGA Tour.

From BBC

Under the guidance set out in a new Victim Information Request Code of Practice, police requests for counselling notes must meet strict criteria of being necessary, proportionate, and relevant.

From BBC

A Border Patrol officer told an FBI agent they feared being run over.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mattel and other toy companies have been working on AI toys that are expected to be unveiled in 2026, but child safety groups have raised concerns about products already being sold.

From Los Angeles Times