A regular rhythmic pattern in music or poetry. The drummer kept a steady beat throughout the song.
A single stroke or blow, especially in a series. He felt the beat of the drum in his chest.
A designated area or route regularly patrolled by a police officer. The officer walked his beat every night to ensure the neighborhood was safe.
A brief pause or moment in time. There was a beat of silence before she answered the question.
A subject area or topic that a reporter is responsible for covering on a regular basis. Politics is her beat at the newspaper.