palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən 

: a rapid pulsation

especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (such as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

Synonyms

• pulse
• throb

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

a palpitation of the blood vessels

Recent Examples on the Web

His lawyers told the court that Lai had been experiencing palpitations and episodes of light-headedness, prompting judges to adjourn the hearing to get his prescribed medications and a heart monitor. —Chris Lau, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025

This can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, sweating, heart palpitations, and confusion. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025

McBride said her symptoms began in her young teen years and included anxiety, hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations and unexplained weight gain. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

But they were postponed twice on Thursday and Friday, first due to a severe thunderstorm that closed courts and then to allow time for Lai, who has complained of heart palpitations, to receive medication and a portable heart monitor. —Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for palpitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion

ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən

: an act or instance of palpitating

especially : an abnormally rapid beating of the heart

Medical Definition

palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən 

: a rapid pulsation

especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)