heart rate

American  

[hahrt reyt] / ˈhɑrt ˌreɪt /

noun

1. the number of heartbeats per minute.

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heart rate Scientific  

1. The number of heartbeats per unit of time, usually expressed as beats per minute.

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Etymology

Origin of heart rate

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

We carry phones that track our steps and wear rings and watches that monitor our heart rate, the calories we burn and the quality of our sleep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“VO2 max” is a health measurement that suggests how fit you are based on metrics like heart rate during activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

This area, called the lateral parafacial region, is located in the brainstem, the oldest part of the brain responsible for automatic functions like breathing, digestion, and heart rate.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

In PoTS there are several symptoms, such as dizziness/light-headedness, which occur alongside an elevated heart rate.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

His heart rate sped up, a nervousness coursing through him, but when he saw how excitedly Javier was greeted, he figured that there wasn’t a need for him to worry.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro