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

In every organization, there are people whose presence becomes the heartbeat of the community—steady, grounding, and essential. —Essence, 5 Dec. 2025

In severe cases, vitamin D toxicity causes kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, soft tissue calcification, and even death. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2025

To be part of ‘Art from The Eye of India’ is to join a collective heartbeat where fashion, poetry and art come together to tell a story. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025

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

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