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

“Independent venues are the heartbeat of live music,” said Rene Volker, Spotify’s senior director of live music.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“They are the essence of the brand, and really understand the heartbeat of the brand,” said Partridge, Tapatío’s new chairman.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Symptoms can include a racing heartbeat; feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed; feeling very hot or very cold; sweating, trembling or shaking; feeling sick; chest and stomach pain; and struggling to breathe and shaking legs.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

I crouched low, my breathing heavier, my heartbeat faster.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• pulse