What does heartbeat mean?
A heartbeat is the rhythmic throbbing produced by the heart as it pumps blood through the body. The word commonly describes both the physical sensation of that rhythm and, by extension, a regular recurring signal or event. In medical and everyday contexts, it can convey information about excitement, fear, exertion, or illness: a person may have a racing heartbeat during anxiety or a steady heartbeat while resting. The phrase also has a metaphorical use for something that continues at regular intervals, such as a network connection sending a heartbeat signal. Although the noun is far more common, “heartbeat” can function as a verb meaning to beat or pulsate, especially in formal or literary writing. Its transparent compound structure makes the meaning easy to understand, while its technical uses show how a familiar bodily rhythm has become a model for systems that need to signal their continued operation.
The rhythmic throbbing of the heart, or a recurring signal or event associated with that rhythm.
"The doctor listened to the patient's heartbeat."
Usually countable when referring to an individual beat or rhythm, as in 'a heartbeat'; the technical sense is common in computing and networking.
To beat or pulsate, especially with the heart.
"The frightened child's heart beat wildly."
This use is relatively uncommon and tends to sound formal or literary.
Use the plural when referring to separate beats, rhythms, or recurring signals.
"The monitor recorded several rapid heartbeats."
A heartbeat is a tiny, constant percussion, carrying the body's rhythm even when we are unaware of it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heartbeat come from?
Heartbeat is an English compound formed from “heart” and “beat.” “Heart” continues Old English heorte, while “beat” derives from Old English bēatan, meaning to strike or beat repeatedly. The compound developed in English through the combination of these familiar Germanic elements, and modern usage retains the basic sense of a repeated beating of the heart. Related words such as “hearten,” “hearty,” and “heartless” share the older “heart” element.
Related word forms
How heartbeat is actually used
In everyday use, heartbeat is normally a countable noun when referring to an individual beat or rhythm: 'She had a racing heartbeat.' It can also be used in technical language for a periodic signal, while the verb form is relatively uncommon and sounds formal or literary.