beater: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal for the 'old car' meaning; neutral for the tool meaning.
Quick answer
What does “beater” mean?
A device or tool used for beating, striking, or mixing things.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device or tool used for beating, striking, or mixing things.
An old, worn-out car; someone who beats something (e.g., game, eggs); a person who flushes out game for hunters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the 'old car' sense, both varieties use it, but it may be slightly more common in UK informal speech. The hunting term is shared.
Connotations
In both, the 'old car' sense implies a vehicle that is functional but unattractive and unreliable.
Frequency
The 'old car' sense is moderately common in informal spoken contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “beater” in a Sentence
beater of [something]beater for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in marketing hyperbole ('a world-beater product').
Academic
Very rare outside historical or technical descriptions of tools.
Everyday
Common for kitchen tools and informally for old vehicles.
Technical
Specific to culinary or hunting terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beater”
- Using 'beater' for a modern, efficient appliance.
- Confusing 'beater' (noun) with 'better' (adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, for the 'old car' meaning it is informal. For the tool meaning, it is neutral.
Yes, it can refer to someone who beats eggs (as a job title, though rare) or, more specifically, a person who flushes out game in hunting.
A beater often refers to a hand-held tool with rotating blades for beating. A mixer is a broader term that can be a stand appliance.
Yes, it is highly positive, meaning someone or something that surpasses all others in the world.
A device or tool used for beating, striking, or mixing things.
Beater: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “world-beater (an outstanding person or thing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BEATER that BEATs eggs or BEATs the bushes. An old car that has taken many BEATings.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A PERSON (egg beater); A WORN OBJECT IS A TOOL FOR PUNISHMENT (old beater).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'beater' LEAST likely to be used?