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

• leader
• pacer
• pioneer

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics

Recent Examples on the Web

Faith Kipyegon's attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in less than four minutes came up 6.42 seconds short Thursday, with the combination of Kipyegon’s speed and a complex system of pacemakers not enough to overcome a barrier that still has never been broken. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2025

Still the pacemaker project remains secure, Rytkin said, thanks to Northwestern and interest from the national scientific community. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025

The last event recorded on Hackman's pacemaker occurred Feb. 17. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Conventionally, temporary pacemakers comprise electrodes that are implanted in the heart muscle. —Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2025

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