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

But PABS, the heartbeat of the treaty, was left on the side in order to get the bulk of the deal over the line.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Symptoms of a severe condition include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and a fluttering heartbeat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

By the time the doctor had logged there was no fetal heartbeat, the medical record shows, Crain was too unstable for surgery.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

“I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” Harris said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

I can feel his heartbeat against my shoulder, slow and steady and strong.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

Related Words

• pulse