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REFERENCE

beating

n. · v.
US //ˈbitɪŋ// UK //bˈiːtɪŋ// beat·ing
  1. 1 physical hitting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of hitting someone many times, usually as a punishment or in a fight.

    an instance of physical assault or corporal punishment involving repeated blows.

    Example

    The victim was lucky to survive such a severe beating.

    Example

    The historical records describe a brutal beating administered to the prisoner after his failed attempt to escape the fortress.
  2. 2 a heavy defeat (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    a situation where a person or team loses a game or competition by a lot.

    a decisive or humiliating defeat in a competition, election, or conflict.

    Example

    Our local team took a real beating in the finals last night.

    Example

    The incumbent party took a significant beating at the polls, losing several key seats that had been considered safe for decades.
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  1. 3 rhythmic sound (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a regular sound or movement, like your heart or a drum.

    a rhythmic pulsation or throb, most commonly associated with cardiac activity or percussion.

    Example

    The doctor listened to the steady beating of the patient's heart.

    Example

    The rhythmic beating of the drums echoed through the valley, signaling the start of the traditional ceremony.
  2. 4 hitting or winning (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the action of hitting something or being better than someone else in a game.

    the present participle or gerund of 'beat', used to describe ongoing hitting, defeating, or rhythmic movement.

    Example

    He was beating the rug to get the dust out.

    Example

    By beating their main rivals in the opening round, the young team gained the confidence necessary to pursue the championship title.
Origin

By surface analysis, beat + -ing.

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