pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər 

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

ˈpās-ˌmā-kiŋ 

noun

Synonyms of pacemaker

• leader
• pacer
• pioneer

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics

Recent Examples on the Web

Experience with other medical devices like hip implants and pacemakers dictated that plaintiffs who had a faulty product surgically removed had more valuable lawsuits than those with the product still in place. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

In one case, a pacemaker was still attached. —Mark Scolforo, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

Esposito also received a pacemaker that helped detect atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Her mother had a heart attack and a double bypass, and an older sister had a heart attack and has a pacemaker. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pacemaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• troublemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker

Kids Definition

pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər 

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 

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