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

• beat
• beating
• pulsation
• pulse
• throb

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

a palpitation of the blood vessels

Recent Examples on the Web

Due to the pregnant person's changing body, heart palpitations can increase during pregnancy. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

After a massive bitcoin facility started operating in the town of Granbury, people of all ages began to experience a range of unexplainable medical issues, including hypertension, chest pain, heart palpitations, migraines, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and panic attacks. —Longreads, 18 Dec. 2024

Hot flashes are the most common of all—they’re periodic increases in body temperature that can cause dizziness and heart palpitations. —Zoya Hasan, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024

Rapid Heart Rate: A fast heartbeat or palpitations. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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)