heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
Synonyms of heartbeatnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Louise Temple gave birth to daughter Pandora Precious at 32 weeks old in March, after a prenatal scan revealed the child had no heartbeat, according to Kennedy News & Media. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 Conventional cardiac pacemakers, which use electrical pulses to regulate the heartbeat, have been widely used in medicine for more than 50 years and remain one of the most common treatments for patients suffering from dangerous heart rhythm disorders or irregular heartbeats. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026 The man’s heartbeat was re-established before transport, and the man was treated and released. Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026 Just as their bond formed an unexpectant heartbeat of the series, an apology by Margo’s (Elle Fanning) father Jinx (Nick Offerman) to Susie (Thaddea Graham) took its actors and the Margo’s Got Money Troubles creators by surprise in a good way. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbeat

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbeat was in 1821

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Cite this Entry

“Heartbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbeat. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

heartbeat

noun
heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
: a single contracting and expanding of the heart

Medical Definition

heartbeat

noun
heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
: one complete pulsation of the heart

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