heartbeat
/ˈhɑːtˌbiːt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: heartbeats
Sense 1
Meaning · English
One pulsation of the heart; especially an irregular one, hence the emotion which causes it.
Noun
Examples
The policeman waited for a heartbeat in vain.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The rhythm at which a heart pulsates, a cardiac indicator.
Noun
Examples
If your heartbeat doesn't normalize soon, consult a doctor!
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “heartbeat” mean?
One pulsation of the heart; especially an irregular one, hence the emotion which causes it.
Is “heartbeat” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.