heartbeat

noun

heart·​beat ˈhärt-ˌbēt How to pronounce heartbeat (audio)
Synonyms of heartbeatnext
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

Synonyms of heartbeat

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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
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.
Driving that heartbeat is a two-part office space with a lounge area before the head coach’s traditional office area with a desk and chairs. — Pj Green august 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 The baby was last, which might have been why doctors were able to briefly restart a heartbeat once he was rushed to the hospital after his father returned home. — Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2026 Three years ago, FSU was undefeated, Travis was its heartbeat and Norvell appeared to have resurrected one of college football’s great empires. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 For his, Connor chose a copy of Grant’s heartbeat from the hospital. — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heartbeat

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartbeat was in 1821

Phrases Containing heartbeat

Rhymes for heartbeat

See All Rhymes for heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

heart balm
heartbeat
heartbeat law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbeat. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heartbeat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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