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

Not so long ago, the merest whisper of Wrexham’s main striker suffering a possible injury scare was enough to give supporters palpitations. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 27 Nov. 2025

People can develop mental health problems and physical manifestations such as headaches, back pain, abdominal cramping, heart palpitations and trouble concentrating. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025

More than 10 million Americans live with atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, a common heart disorder that causes heart palpitations and can lead to heart failure, blood clots and stroke. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 9 Nov. 2025

Possible symptoms include constipation, fatigue, heart palpitations, muscle weakness or spasms, and numbness. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 7 Nov. 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)