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

The Science Behind Stress Synchronization A study published in October 2024 found that the heart rate variability (the slight fluctuations between heartbeats) of a dog and its owner can mirror each other. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

After four years with the Saints, Roach signed with the Broncos in 2024, becoming a key run-stopper on a dominant defensive line and a heartbeat of the locker room. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025

Health officials say tianeptine can be addictive and dangerous, causing problems ranging from high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat to respiratory failure, coma and death. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

Chicago Med's heartbeat is holding steady after 11 seasons of medical emergencies, impromptu surgeries, and the occasional ED dustup. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Nov. 2025

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