beginning
♦ be|gin|ning /bɪg'ɪnɪŋ/ (beginnings)
1 [N-COUNT] usu sing
The beginning of an event or process is the first part of it.
This was also the beginning of her recording career...
Think of this as a new beginning.
= start
≠ end
2 [N-PLURAL] usu the N, oft N of n
The beginnings of something are the signs or events which form the first part of it.
The discussions were the beginnings of a dialogue with Moscow.
3 [N-SING] the N
The beginning of a period of time is the time at which it starts.
The wedding will be at the beginning of March.
≠ end
4 [N-COUNT] usu sing, oft N of n
The beginning of a piece of written material is the first words or sentences of it.
...the question which was raised at the beginning of this chapter.
≠ end
5 [N-PLURAL] usu with supp
If you talk about the beginnings of a person, company, or group, you are referring to their backgrounds or origins.
His views come from his own humble beginnings.
1 [N-COUNT] usu sing
The beginning of an event or process is the first part of it.
This was also the beginning of her recording career...
Think of this as a new beginning.
= start
≠ end
2 [N-PLURAL] usu the N, oft N of n
The beginnings of something are the signs or events which form the first part of it.
The discussions were the beginnings of a dialogue with Moscow.
3 [N-SING] the N
The beginning of a period of time is the time at which it starts.
The wedding will be at the beginning of March.
≠ end
4 [N-COUNT] usu sing, oft N of n
The beginning of a piece of written material is the first words or sentences of it.
...the question which was raised at the beginning of this chapter.
≠ end
5 [N-PLURAL] usu with supp
If you talk about the beginnings of a person, company, or group, you are referring to their backgrounds or origins.
His views come from his own humble beginnings.