heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
1
: one complete pulsation of the heart
2
: the vital center or driving impulse
3
: a brief space of time : flash
used chiefly in the phrase in a heartbeat

Examples of heartbeat in a Sentence

The patient had a rapid heartbeat. I'd accept a job offer from that company in a heartbeat.
Recent Examples on the Web Look down your nose at the kiddie shows and action hours, telenovelas, thrillers and endless permutations of horror, and risk missing the heartbeat of a global culture that continues to change in marvelous ways, year to year, day to day. Steven Gaydos, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 After his two previous episodes of atrial flutter, Harbaugh underwent ablations, which are minimally invasive procedures that treat irregular heartbeats by destroying heart tissue that causes abnormal electrical signals. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2024 Besides the bone stuff, the mineral also helps with muscle contractions, nerve function, immune system support, heartbeat regulation, and blood sugar and blood pressure control. Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024 There was a heartbeat, but the fetus was very underdeveloped and there was very little amniotic fluid. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heartbeat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heartbeat.' 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

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbeat was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near heartbeat

Cite this Entry

“Heartbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbeat. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

heartbeat

noun
heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
: a single contracting and expanding of the heart

Medical Definition

heartbeat

noun
heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
: one complete pulsation of the heart

More from Merriam-Webster on heartbeat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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