1
a
: the quality or state of having existence
a social movement that came into being in the 1960s
artistic form comes into being only when two elements are successfully fused—
Carlos Lynes
Carlos Lynes
b(1)
: something that is conceivable and hence capable of existing
(2)
: something that actually exists
(3)
: the totality of existing things
c
: conscious existence : life
2
: the qualities that constitute an existent thing : essence
I knew it was true in the core of my being.
especially
: personality
3
: a living thing
sentient beings
a mythical being
: present
—used in the phrase for the time being
plans to remain single for the time being
being
4 of 4present participle of be
Synonyms
Examples of being in a Sentence
Noun
a social movement that was brought into being in the 1960s
I knew it was true in the core of my being.
Conjunction
being as how I paid for lunch, I'd appreciate it if you picked up the tab for dinner
Recent Examples on the WebPhilip Elliott, TIME, 3 June 2024
The embargo is still in place, and Cuba’s being on the U.S. list of countries that sponsor terrorism carries significant financial restrictions.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
Edwards has what only a few of the greats have, a lightness of being, the ability to float.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 25 May 2024
There is a man in Landeskog fighting for his career with every shred of his being.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for being 
Noun
So, for the time being, the Bureau of Land Management will continue to engage in this practice that, from time to time, does draw a temporary order to hit pause, but never a permanent ban.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 3 June 2024
The embargo is still in place, and Cuba’s being on the U.S. list of countries that sponsor terrorism carries significant financial restrictions.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024
Edwards has what only a few of the greats have, a lightness of being, the ability to float.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 25 May 2024
There is a man in Landeskog fighting for his career with every shred of his being.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for being
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'being.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near being
Cite this Entry
“Being.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/being. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
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