Heartbeat
'hɑːrtbiːt
Definitions
2 meaningsThe repeated rhythmic contraction and expansion of the heart, creating a pulse.
'hɑːrtbiːt
The rhythmic contraction and expansion of the heart.
The doctor listened to his heartbeat.
💡 Simply: Imagine your heart doing a little dance inside you, making a 'thump-thump' sound. That's your heartbeat! Like a drum beat to the rhythm of your life.
👶 For kids: The sound your heart makes when it goes thump-thump!
More Examples
Her heartbeat quickened when she saw him.
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy heartbeat.
How It's Used
"The doctor listened to the patient's heartbeat to check their health."
"The city is the heartbeat of the country's economy."
The most important or central aspect of something; the essential element.
'hɑːrtbiːt
The essence or center of something.
The music festival is the heartbeat of the summer.
💡 Simply: Think of your favorite place: that central part that makes it special? Like the main street of a town, the 'heartbeat' of that place is the special something that really defines it.
👶 For kids: The most important part of something, like the main part of a game.
More Examples
Innovation is the heartbeat of the company.
The marketplace is the heartbeat of the town.
How It's Used
"The market is the heartbeat of this city."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
skip a heartbeat
To be momentarily surprised or excited; to be shocked or experience a sudden thrill.
"Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him walk in."
in time with your heartbeat
To be synchronous or in rhythm with something; to match the tempo.
"Her footsteps echoed in time with her heartbeat."
From "heart" + "beat." The term directly describes the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the heart.
The term has been used since the early 18th century, originally referring to the physical pulse of the heart.
Memory tip
Think of the rhythmic thump-thump sound your heart makes.
Word Origin
"The rhythmic contraction and expansion of the heart."