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

One of the vehicles was recorded approximately eight minutes after Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker last synced with her iPhone, the outlet noted. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Nancy has a pacemaker and needs daily medication, putting her survival in doubt. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026

Harald returned aboard a medical airplane to Norway, where he was fitted with a permanent pacemaker. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

In addition to searching the surrounding areas near her home, authorities have tried to locate Guthrie's pacemaker via new technology to sniff out a signal from the device. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 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