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

a palpitation of the blood vessels
Recent Examples on the Web Other symptoms include cough, fatigue, swelling of the legs and feet, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 31 May 2024 Other symptoms include fatigue, coughing, swelling of the legs or feet, low-grade fever, shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 30 May 2024 Other symptoms include fatigue, coughing, swelling of the legs or feet, low-grade fever, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 30 May 2024 The woman was terrified of having to look at or touch her boyfriend’s feet, causing physical symptoms—sweating, trembling hands, heart palpitations, ringing in her ears—followed by ruminating thoughts and a deep sense of shame. Angela Haupt, TIME, 22 May 2024 The study documented various adverse events in both groups — ranging from nausea and anxiety to heart palpitations — but none of them qualified as serious. Will Stone, NPR, 13 May 2024 Warning signs can include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness and a heart palpitations. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 6 May 2024 The drugs have shown effectiveness in helping with obesity, diabetes and even heart problems (though some patients have also reported side effects including nausea, diarrhea and heart palpitations). Jennifer Hassan, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Side effects can include headaches, vivid dreams, heart palpitations, itching, and digestive problems. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

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 10 Jun. 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
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