What is the term for the pattern of beats in music?

The term that defines the pattern of beats in music is "meter." Meter refers to the structured grouping of beats, typically organized into measures or bars, and is foundational to how music is composed and understood. It provides a rhythmic framework that helps musicians and listeners discern the underlying tempo and feel of a piece. Different meters can create distinct rhythmic patterns, such as duple (2 beats), triple (3 beats), or compound meters, each influencing the character of the music.

While the other terms relate to important musical concepts, they do not specifically refer to the pattern of beats. An interval describes the distance between two pitches, harmony pertains to the combination of different musical notes played or sung simultaneously, and pulse refers to the underlying heartbeat or steady beat felt in a piece of music, which is closely related to but not equivalent to meter. Therefore, meter is the correct term to denote the rhythmic structure or beat patterns in music.