1. the regular sound or movement made by the heart as it pumps blood
2. a very short period of time; an instant
Usage: informal
3. the central or most important part of something
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The doctor listened to my heartbeat with a stethoscope.
• Her heartbeat quickened when she heard the news.
• I could feel my heartbeat pounding in my chest after running.
• The decision was made in a heartbeat.
• She would help her friend in a heartbeat.
• The factory is the heartbeat of this small town.
• Music is the heartbeat of their culture.