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

• 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

According to medical records, the former pro wrestler had a history of leukemia and atrial fibrillation, a common disorder that causes irregular heartbeats. —Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Seeking immediate medical attention if a wound becomes red, swollen, oozes pus, or shows other signs of infection such as fever, increasing pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or disorientation. —Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025

Possible symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, confusion, nausea, blurry vision, racing heartbeat, and neck pain. —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 2 Aug. 2025

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. —American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1850, 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