Palpitation usually refers to a fast, flutteringMoving lightly and quickly in short, uneven motions., or irregularNot happening in a steady, normal pattern; uneven or inconsistent. heartbeat. It can also mean a shaky or tremblingShaking slightly and uncontrollably, often from fear, cold, or weakness. movement, though that sense is much less common.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /pælˌpɪˈteɪʃən/
Easy pronunciation: pal-pi-TAY-shən (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress is on TAY, with secondary stress on PAL.
Use this pronunciation for the noun meaning a rapid and irregular heartbeat.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Palpitation Meaning
a heartbeat that feels fast, fluttery, or uneven
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a rapid and irregular heartbeat
Example: She went to the doctor because of palpitations after drinking too much coffee.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Palpitation
Meaning 2
a trembling or quivering movement
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a shaky motion
Example: The machine's palpitation could be felt through the floor.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- quiver — Works as a substitute for a slight trembling motion.
- quivering — A close match for a shaky movement, though often used as an adjective or gerund.
- shakiness — Can fit when the meaning is an unstable or trembling motion.
- shaking — Works for a general trembling movement.
- trembling — A strong synonym for a shaky or quivering motion.
- vibration — Fits a repeated shaky motion, but is broader and not always interchangeable.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Palpitation Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- palpitations
a shaky motion
- quiver
- quivering
- shakiness
- shaking
- trembling
- vibration
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Using palpitation as a general synonym for excitement or nervousness in everyday English.
- Confusing palpitation with palpitations: the plural form is the common medical term for an irregular heartbeat.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does palpitation mean?
Palpitation usually means a fast, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. In a less common sense, it can also mean a shaky or trembling motion.
Is palpitation the same as palpitations?
Not exactly. Palpitations is the more common plural form used for an unusual heartbeat, especially in medical contexts.
What are the synonyms of palpitation?
For the heartbeat sense, there are few direct synonyms. For the older or less common motion sense, words like quiver, trembling, shaking, and vibration can fit.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.