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.

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beating British  

/ ˈbiːtɪŋ /

noun

1. a whipping or thrashing, as in punishment

2. a defeat or setback

3. to be difficult to improve upon

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Etymology

Origin of beating

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

Example Sentences

Iran loads 90% of its crude oil at Kharg, making it the beating heart of Iran’s economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Victory over Mikel Arteta's side was the one that really resonated with Old Trafford bosses, proving that beating City - something United had done periodically under a number of managers - was not a one-off.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“It’s almost like it has a life of its own now, beating its own path,” says Burden.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

For Nunes, the ambition is building a campus capable of generating thousands of megawatts of electricity—and beating China in the fusion race.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

And I will imagine myself on the high school stage four years from now, giving a valedictorian speech after beating Jonah by way more than half a point while he looks on, moping.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• defeat
• drubbing
• slaughter
• whipping