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.
Aldo’s, inspired by Antonio Sersale’s uncle, has the soul of an aperitivo hour and the heartbeat of dinner. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 The baby was born with a heartbeat but was not breathing, the couple told the Atlantic, and did not survive. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 Davis, his wife and kids painted the picture of a family that had deep, meaningful connections to the heartbeat of this burgeoning southern metropolis in NASCAR country that, like so many cities, places its sports stars on a pedestal. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Through this, there’s a genuine heartbeat and soul that emerged from the film. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 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

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Browse Nearby Words

heart balm
heartbeat
heartbeat law
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Cite this Entry

“Heartbeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartbeat. Accessed 4 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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