pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
Synonyms of pacemakernext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was subsequently fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) device – a type of pacemaker intended to prevent fatal cardiac arrests by discharging a jolt to restore regular heart rhythm – and eventually returned to play top-flight soccer after less than a year. Ben Church, CNN Money, 8 June 2026 The downside of having a pacemaker is that getting one requires surgery, as well as having the device permanently implanted. Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 The device is not for users with active implantable medical devices such as pacemakers or hearing aid implants; users with metallic implants such as stents, bone plates or bone screws at or near the neck; or users operating another device like a TENS unit or muscle stimulator at the same time. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 The Queen previously had a pacemaker installed in January 2025. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pacemaker

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacemaker was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pacemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacemaker. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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

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