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

‘Kharg is not just another asset. It is Iran’s economic heartbeat.’

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

At the heart of the third movie, Villenueve said, is a love story, adding that “the heartbeat of the film is still the relationship between Paul and Chani,” according to Deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Public Health officials are also warning people to seek medical help for signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, confusion or passing out.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Extended weightlessness generally wreaks havoc on the human body, often disrupting the space traveler’s heartbeat, balance and hormone levels.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

He narrowed his eyes at me, and for a gut-wrenching heartbeat, I was sure that he was going to do the exact opposite just to spite me.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

Related Words

• pulse