beast

noun

ˈbēst 

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

• brute
• villain
• monster
• savage
• devil

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

Frog-legs, which are the meatiest, most edible parts of the beast, remain popular in parts of southeast Asia, France and some parts of the United States. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025

Over at Metropolitan State University, the on-campus gallery is presenting works from five Twin Cities Latino artists working across paintings, puppetry, photography and more focused on bestiarios, or fantastical, mythical beasts. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025

Time to recycle Vin Scully’s classic quote about the beast that is Coors Field. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025

Terrifying beasts, murders most foul, posh French zombies and a sequel to one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beste, from Anglo-French, from Latin bestia

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing beast

• beast epic
• beast fable
• beast mode
• beast of burden
• different beast
• go beast mode
• the belly of the beast

Rhymes for beast

• ceased
• creased
• east
• feast
• fleeced
• geest
• greased
• leased
• least
• pieced
• priest
• yeast

Kids Definition

beast

noun

ˈbēst 

1

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