ENGLISH
REFERENCE

beats

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈbits// UK //bˈiːts// beats

n. the regular sounds or movements in music that make you want to dance or clap. You can also use this word for the regular rhythm of your heart.

n. the basic units of time in music, or the rhythmic pulse that establishes a tempo. Often used to describe the regular, rhythmic sound of a heart or a drum.


SIMPLE

The song has a fast beat that makes me want to dance.

CONTEXTUAL

The drummer kept the beats steady so the rest of the band could stay in time during the performance.

COMPLEX

While the melody provides the emotional core of the piece, it is the syncopated beats that drive the listener's physical engagement with the rhythm.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to a series of rhythmic pulses.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference