palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən 

: a rapid pulsation

especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (such as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

Synonyms of palpitation

• pulse
• throb

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

a palpitation of the blood vessels

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever and palpitations, which can occur just one to three days after vaccination. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025

His family and supporters have expressed growing concern about his health, as Lai suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as heart palpitations. —Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 14 Dec. 2025

The medical board said the patient first saw Ahmed in 2019 after experiencing heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath and dizziness. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 1 Dec. 2025

Not so long ago, the merest whisper of Wrexham’s main striker suffering a possible injury scare was enough to give supporters palpitations. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for palpitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion

ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən

: an act or instance of palpitating

especially : an abnormally rapid beating of the heart

Medical Definition

palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən 

: a rapid pulsation

especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)