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

And that place is definitely close to the heartbeat of the city. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 June 2026

Severe symptoms include confusion, seizures, fainting, no urine in over eight hours or dark urine, and a rapid heartbeat. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 June 2026

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

The warning signs include all the above but also may include a strong, rapid heartbeat, confusion, vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, or passing out. — Carmel Wroth, NPR, 2 July 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