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

At the same time, consumer expectations have shifted toward authenticity, transparency and inclusive product development — areas where women leaders have historically driven the vision and cultural heartbeat of our industry. — Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

Big financial pivots still require a human heartbeat and personal judgment. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Jessica’s sister Kelly, who was staying over, performed CPR on her, and the paramedics were able to restore a heartbeat. — Blake Bakkila, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2026

The game has a heartbeat that’s going to ask something of you in every situation and José’s gotten to that point. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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