pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
a
: one that sets the pace for another
b
: one that takes the lead or sets an example
2
a
: a group of cells or a body part (such as the sinus node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity
b
: an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart
pacemaking noun

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics
Recent Examples on the Web Medications Medications that promote bleeding must be avoided before pacemaker surgery. Jennifer Whitlock, Rn, Msn, Fn, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2023 The 73-year-old was fitted with a pacemaker over the weekend, in his second hospital stay in two weeks. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 24 July 2023 Merriman had suffered from heart and liver problems and had a pacemaker. Lauren Turner Dunn, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2023 Netanyahu’s doctors said Sunday the heart pacemaker implantation went smoothly and that Netanyahu, 73, felt fine. Time, 23 July 2023 Headphones and earbuds have magnets, so keep them away from your pacemaker. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Aug. 2023 The move comes with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in hospital, having been fitted with a pacemaker. Richard Allen Greene, CNN, 23 July 2023 Several days later, he was fitted with a pacemaker. Ruth Margalit, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023 In 2016 he was fitted with a pacemaker because of a slow pulse. John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pacemaker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacemaker was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near pacemaker

Cite this Entry

“Pacemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacemaker. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

pacemaker

noun
pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
: a group of cells or a bodily part (as of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic bodily activity
2
: an electrical device for steadying or establishing the heartbeat

Medical Definition

pacemaker

noun
pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
: a group of cells or a body part (as the sinoatrial node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity
2
: an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart

called also pacer

More from Merriam-Webster on pacemaker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!