English Reference
Noun

pacemaker

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkɝ/ UK /pˈeɪsmeɪkɐ/ pace·mak·er UK spelling pacemakers Anatomy Medicine

n.a small medical device that sends electrical signals to your heart to help it beat at the right speed. It is used when your heart is too slow or has an irregular rhythm.

n.a small electronic device that generates electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. It is typically implanted in the chest to treat bradycardia or arrhythmia.


SIMPLE

The doctor implanted a pacemaker to help his heart beat regularly.

CONTEXTUAL

After the surgery, the patient's pacemaker was monitored to ensure it maintained a steady rhythm during physical activity.

COMPLEX

Modern pacemakers are often equipped with advanced sensors that can adjust the heart rate based on the patient's level of physical exertion or breathing patterns.

He was fitted with a pacemaker in 2024 after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.

BBC News· 27 Aug 2026

That year, the king had been fitted with a pacemaker after falling ill on holiday in Malaysia.

BBC News· 24 Aug 2026

From pace + maker.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated