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 of palpitation

• pulse
• throb

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

a palpitation of the blood vessels

Recent Examples on the Web

No doubt the sofa gymnastics gave plenty of soccer fans in the US heart palpitations. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

Your Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Increase Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which can lead to issues with heart function and the cardiovascular system, including heart palpitations and arrhythmias. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026

Or like a financial EKG machine sensing huge palpitations. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Upon being found guilty and having his bail revoked that February, he was taken to Bellevue complaining of high blood pressure, chest pains and palpitations. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 13 May 2026

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)