palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce palpitation (audio)
: a rapid pulsation
especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (such as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This would mean that the vagal nerves’ calming action is getting delayed—so the panic, heart palpitations and constant anxiety many people have described to me make sense. Emily Mendenhall, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023 Warning signs can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness and a heart palpitations. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023 Side effects can also include heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms. Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2023 The first step in treating palpitations is to understand what’s causing them, Serwer said. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 4 Oct. 2023 About 1 in 2,000 people have congenital long QT syndrome, with some showing no symptoms and others fainting or experiencing heart palpitations in response to triggers such as exercise or being startled, said Dr. Charles Berul, an electrophysiologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2023 Earlier, Drysdale had published medical data noting excessive tobacco use was linked to jaundice and heart palpitations. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2023 That alone is enough to give me heart palpitations. Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Oct. 2023 With time, the headaches, rashes, and neck stiffness can worsen, and infected people can develop painful arthritis, facial palsy, heart palpitations, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, the agency said on its website. Jeremy C. Fox, BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'palpitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palpitation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near palpitation

Cite this Entry

“Palpitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpitation. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

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 How to pronounce palpitation (audio)
: a rapid pulsation
especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

More from Merriam-Webster on palpitation

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