heart rate

American

[hahrt reyt] / ˈhɑrt ˌreɪt /

noun

the number of heartbeats per minute.

heart rate Scientific

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

Etymology

Origin of heart rate

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Several can detect car crashes or spikes in heart rate as a result of tachycardia, along with such conditions as atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

Maximum heart rate decreases 1% annually, and muscle mass is lost with age; strength training is crucial for older adults.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

The company’s rings track metrics such as heart rate and skin temperature, and are intended to help improve sleep and reduce stress.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

But 45 minutes later, when clinicians could not detect a heart rate, it was decided the baby should be delivered immediately.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

I know for a fact that my heart rate is in some kind of danger zone.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023