beating

American  

[bee-ting] / ˈbi tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that beats, as to punish, clean, mix, etc..

   Give the rug a good beating.

2. a defeat or reverse; loss; setback

   Several stocks took a beating in the market today.

3. pulsation; throbbing.

   the beating of her heart.

---

beating British  

/ ˈbiːtɪŋ /

noun

1. a whipping or thrashing, as in punishment

2. a defeat or setback

3. to be difficult to improve upon

---

Etymology

Origin of beating

First recorded in 1200–50; from Middle English betynge; beat, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Dating apps have taken a beating this year, and there is more to it than intensifying competition.

From Barron's

Home to more than two head of cattle per person, the province is the beating heart of South Africa's livestock industry.

From Barron's

West Ham surprised me by beating Fulham in their last league game but I am still not convinced by them at home.

From BBC

Clayton saved his best for the final after being steady if unspectacular when beating both Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting 6-3 with an almost identical average that was just above 95.

From BBC

And in their most recent away match, the Toffees won at a Newcastle United side who came so close to beating Barcelona at St James' Park on Tuesday night.

From BBC

Related Words

• defeat
• drubbing
• slaughter
• whipping