palpitation

noun

pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce palpitation (audio)
Synonyms of palpitationnext
: a rapid pulsation
especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (such as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

Synonyms of palpitation

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Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

a palpitation of the blood vessels
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Symptoms include swelling in the legs, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, dizziness and fainting. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 May 2026 No doubt the sofa gymnastics gave plenty of soccer fans in the US heart palpitations. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 June 2026 Or like a financial EKG machine sensing huge palpitations. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 When he was sent to jail for the first time in 2020, he was taken from the courthouse in an ambulance to be checked out at a hospital for heart palpitations and high blood pressure. — ABC News, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for palpitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of palpitation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for palpitation

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Browse Nearby Words

palpitatingly
palpitation
palpless
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Cite this Entry

“Palpitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpitation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

palpitation

noun
pal·​pi·​ta·​tion
ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən
: an act or instance of palpitating
especially : an abnormally rapid beating of the heart

Medical Definition

palpitation

noun
pal·​pi·​ta·​tion ˌpal-pə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce palpitation (audio)
: a rapid pulsation
especially : an abnormally rapid or irregular beating of the heart (as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

More from Merriam-Webster on palpitation

Nglish: Translation of palpitation for Spanish Speakers

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