Word

beta

noun B2

/ˈbiːtə/

Meanings

noun

a test version of a product, especially software, released before the final official version

noun

the second letter of the Greek alphabet (Β, β)

Definition

A beta is a test version of a product that is released to a limited group to find problems before the final release.

A beta is an early version of software, a game, or another product that is shared for testing. It is not finished and may contain bugs or missing features. Developers use feedback from beta users to improve the product before the official release.

Examples

I downloaded the beta to test the new features before the official release.
She joined the beta program and reported a bug after the update crashed.
They invited a small group into the beta so they could measure performance on different devices.
You should expect some glitches in the beta, because the design is still changing.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse beta with alpha and say beta is the very first test version; usually alpha comes before beta.