being

be-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Existence.

  2. 2.

    A living creature, especially a human.

  3. 3.

    One's nature or essence.

  4. 4.

    Present participle of "be."

  5. 5.

    Since; because.

Forms

plural: beings

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    come into being — Begin to exist.
  • •
    bring into being — Cause to exist; create.
  • •
    for the time being — Temporarily; for now.
  • •
    human being — A person.
  • •
    the Supreme Being — God.
  • •
    well-being — The state of being comfortable and healthy.
  • •
    being as/that — Since; because (informal).

Related words

See also: be, creature, entity, existence
Synonyms: creature, entity, existence, person

Etymology

From Old English bēon ("to be") + -ing. The noun sense developed from the verbal noun.