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

His father Frank, who Frankie was named after, died after having a pacemaker put in. —Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

While there is nothing to suggest Netanyahu is currently unwell, his health has also loomed over Israeli politics before, with his emergency heart surgery to fit a pacemaker in 2023, as well as a prostate removal surgery in 2024. —Angela Yang, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

Forty-one minutes later, her pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, marking the precise moment an 84-year-old woman who could not walk 50 yards without help was ripped from her bed. —Neal K. Shah, Boston Herald, 17 Mar. 2026

While ethylene oxide plays a crucial role in sterilizing lifesaving medical devices like pacemakers and syringes, long-term exposure can cause leukemia and other types of cancer among people who work in or live near medical sterilization facilities. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 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