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

Catheterization is used to look for structural issues that could cause conditions like clogged arteries, irregular heartbeat and pulmonary hypertension. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026

Extremely high doses can lead to irregular heartbeats or even cause the heart to stop altogether, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026

Cooks tend the iconic grill in full view, sending up smoky aromas and satisfying sizzles that are the restaurant’s heartbeat. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 20 Mar. 2026

At its best, the music’s blackout-drunk thump-thump functions more like an anxious heartbeat. —Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 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