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

When Loving went into labor, the baby’s heartbeat wasn’t cooperating, so doctors decided an emergency cesarean section was necessary. — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Because a heartbeat, something of the soul transmitted from one human to another, is still the one thing the machines can't produce. — Sara Connell, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

An inaudible heartbeat reverberates through the space at a frequency below human hearing, producing vibrations that can be felt by those standing nearby. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

To generations of Jayhawks, Ward was a mentor, father figure and, in many ways, the heartbeat of the program. — Latif Love july 21, Kansas City Star, 21 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