heartbeat

American  

[hahrt-beet] / ˈhɑrtˌbit /

noun

Physiology.

1. a pulsation of the heart, including one complete systole and diastole.

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heartbeat British  

/ ˈhɑːtˌbiːt /

noun

1. one complete pulsation of the heart See diastole systole

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Etymology

Origin of heartbeat

First recorded in 1840–50; heart + beat

Explanation

That regular thumping in your chest is your heartbeat, the relaxation and contraction of your heart's chambers that sends blood flowing through your body. You may notice your heartbeat after you've been exercising vigorously, or when something really scares you. It's the rhythmic pulse that can be heard through a stethoscope as your heart works to pump your blood. Figuratively, a heartbeat is also a brief, quick moment, as in "It was over in a heartbeat," or something vitally important, as in "She was the heartbeat of our Girl Scout troop." Heartbeat comes from the "repeated strike of a drum" sense of beat.

Example Sentences

Heartbeat also cast the show with singers experienced in musical theater, counting on their ability to articulate the English text clearly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

More recently, Queenie has been joined by a short but charming water projection show dubbed “The Heartbeat of New Orleans — A Living Mural.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2023

A pub which served as the local watering hole in popular TV drama Heartbeat has been put up for sale.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2023

In reporting my article, “Preserving Hula, the Heartbeat of Hawaii,” I learned that hula is far from the stereotypical idea of it as just a pretty Polynesian dance.

From New York Times • May 13, 2023

The Heartbeat of Miami lawsuit also accused Mr. Freestone and Ms. Rivera of crashing the organization’s annual gala held Sept. 17 at the Trump National Doral Miami Resort & Hotel.

From Washington Times • Mar. 30, 2023

Related Words

• pulse