English · Arts & Literature
beat
/biːt/
[/biːt/]
basic musical pulse
Beginnernoun
Definition
The basic unit of time in music; the steady pulse you can tap your foot to.
Example
She tapped her foot to the beat as the lively music filled the crowded dance floor.
She tapped her foot to the beat as the lively music filled the crowded dance floor.
Etymology
From Old English 'beatan' (to strike); the musical sense developed from the idea of striking time.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in music, and informally for a moment ('wait a beat').