pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
a
: one that sets the pace for another
b
: one that takes the lead or sets an example
2
a
: a group of cells or a body part (such as the sinus node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity
b
: an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart
pacemaking noun

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last event on Feb. 17, which was nine days before the bodies were found, Mendoza said Friday. Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025 Baden said if the dog was unable to access water during the nine-day stretch between when Hackman's pacemaker stopped and when he was found, the dog could have just died from dehydration. Liam Quinn, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Mendoza said that while the investigation into the cause of Hackman’s death is active and ongoing, officials found that the last day Hackman’s pacemaker registered was on February 17, 10 days before he was discovered deceased. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2025 In Paris, Ingebrigtsen became the race’s unofficial pacemaker, going out at world-record speed (3:26.00) but tied up and finished fourth. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pacemaker

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacemaker was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pacemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacemaker. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pacemaker

noun
pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
: a group of cells or a bodily part (as of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic bodily activity
2
: an electrical device for steadying or establishing the heartbeat

Medical Definition

pacemaker

noun
pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
1
: a group of cells or a body part (as the sinoatrial node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity
2
: an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart

called also pacer

More from Merriam-Webster on pacemaker

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