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

Season 2 of The Pitt is back today and fans of the hit show are already feeling heart palpitations. —Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

And monitor yourself for warning signs of cardiac distress like shortness of breath, heart palpitations and chest pain. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2026

It's been blamed for heart palpitations, anxiety and poor sleep, while at the same time praised for helping to deliver focus, better moods and lower chronic disease risk. —New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2026

Symptoms of the condition include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever and palpitations, which can occur just one to three days after vaccination. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 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)