Phrase guide

beating heart

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The core of a thing; its most essential or important part.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • the beating heart of the economy

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: heart and soul

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see beating, heart.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • beating-heart transplant
  • be still my beating heart

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: sykkivä sydän — (figurative)
  • French: cœur battant — (figurative)
  • Polish: serce — (figurative)