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 (such as that caused by panic, arrhythmia, or strenuous physical exercise)

Examples of palpitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Triggers of palpitations can include stress, anxiety, hormonal changes or stimulants like caffeine. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 That pollution probably has resulted in some short-term health effects, including difficulty breathing and heart palpitations, the report said. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2024 Courtesy Elizabeth Crawford The complaint says that Skerritt drank 2½ Charged Lemonade drinks from a Panera cafe in Greenville, Rhode Island, on April 8 and then experienced palpitations. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2024 When advancing to septic shock, symptoms become very low blood pressure, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, cool limbs, and an inability to urinate. Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 19 Jan. 2024 Blood Pressure Regulation: High blood pressure can sometimes lead to palpitations. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 Symptoms of AFib include chest pains, heart palpitations, feeling light-headed or faint, and shortness of breath in times of rest, and tiring easily.3 New Stages of AFib Prior to the new guidelines, AFib was classified only by how long the patient had experienced the condition. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2024 When the body destroys red blood cells prematurely, the person can experience a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, anemia, dizziness, and heart palpitations. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023 That tasted pretty good, but the concentration of matcha in that cookie was so high that all of my colleagues had heart palpitations that week. New York Times, 17 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'palpitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near palpitation

Cite this Entry

“Palpitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palpitation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!