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

Remarkably, researchers were able to link these changes to a specific protein affected by the heartbeat. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

The latter is located in the center of the ship and truly serves as the heartbeat of Beyond. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Lawmakers and local leaders must stand up for these values and invest in the public schools that are the heartbeat of our communities. — Stephanie Vanos, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026

When Loving went into labor, the baby’s heartbeat wasn’t cooperating, so doctors decided an emergency cesarean section was necessary. — Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 July 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