# Beatles

/ˈbitəɫz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beatles
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the band

noun · CEFR A2

The Beatles were a very famous and influential British rock band in the 1960s.

For teachers: A highly influential British rock quartet consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Proper noun; always capitalized and usually preceded by 'the'.

- My parents still have all their old records by the Beatles.
- The Beatles revolutionized popular music by incorporating diverse influences ranging from classical arrangements to Indian sitar music into their compositions.

### 2. members or fans

noun · CEFR B1

more than one person who is a member of the band or a big fan of their music.

For teachers: The plural form of 'Beatle', referring to individual members of the band or, informally, to dedicated enthusiasts of the group.

- The two surviving Beatles performed together at the charity concert.
- Biographers often contrast the distinct personalities of the individual Beatles to explain the creative tensions that eventually led to the group's dissolution.

## Examples

- The Beatles changed the world of music forever.
- Many modern pop songs still use the chord progressions and vocal harmonies pioneered by the Beatles.
- The cultural impact of the Beatles extended far beyond music, influencing fashion, film, and the global social movements of the mid-twentieth century.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.