1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from a human being, a lower vertebrate, and an invertebrate
b
: a lower animal as distinguished from a human being
c
: an animal as distinguished from a plant
d
: an animal under human control
2
: a contemptible person
3
: something formidably difficult to control or deal with
Synonyms
Examples of beast in a Sentence
dogs and other four-footed beasts
the birds and beasts of the forest
They were attacked by a savage beast.
He's a cruel, hateful beast!
Recent Examples on the Web
Most in Becker's comment section agree—modern beauty standards are a beast, and social media is feeding it, but some voices are growing more powerful in their dissent.
—
Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Intending to shoot a documentary, Patrick heads into the belly of the beast.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In the movie, the pair are tasked with capturing a menacing beast who’s been eating the veggies from everyone’s gardens.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
The Charles Mill Monster, found in Charles Mill Lake in Mansfield, is another lake-dwelling beast said to call Ohio home.
—Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for beast 
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Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
Intending to shoot a documentary, Patrick heads into the belly of the beast.
—Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In the movie, the pair are tasked with capturing a menacing beast who’s been eating the veggies from everyone’s gardens.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
The Charles Mill Monster, found in Charles Mill Lake in Mansfield, is another lake-dwelling beast said to call Ohio home.
—Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for beast
Dictionary Entries Near beast
Cite this Entry
“Beast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beast. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
beast
noun1
a
: a four-footed mammal as distinguished from human beings and from lower animals both with and without backbones
b
: a farm animal especially when kept for heavy work
2
: a mean or brutal person
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