heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt 

1

: one complete pulsation of the heart

2

: the vital center or driving impulse

3

: a brief space of time : flash

—used chiefly in the phrase in a heartbeat

Synonyms of heartbeat

• minute
• second
• moment

Examples of heartbeat in a Sentence

The patient had a rapid heartbeat.

I'd accept a job offer from that company in a heartbeat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yukibana is the buzzy heartbeat of the hotel, with its curved seating, walls of windows, and chandeliers made of deer antlers. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026

Technology has helped overcome barriers to using those organs — ways to keep them from deteriorating as the heartbeat winds down — spurring this type of donation at the same time the nation is hunting ways to overcome a dire shortage. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026

When a charge nurse finally answered, Nowland identified herself as a midwife and asked if the hospital would be able to admit Ibarra, whose baby had a concerning heartbeat. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026

Thanks to educators like Riles, the heartbeat of African drumming continues to inspire young musicians, connecting them to a rich legacy that resonates through every beat. —CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing heartbeat

• heartbeat law
• in a heartbeat

Rhymes for heartbeat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• browbeat
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete

Kids Definition

heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt 

: a single contracting and expanding of the heart

Medical Definition

heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt 

: one complete pulsation of the heart