Pulse Meaning

UK /pʌls/
US /pʌls/
Word Definition
pulse meaning

Pulse Definition & Usage

noun

A rhythmic beat, especially the regular beating of the heart or arteries, which can be felt at certain points of the body.

Examples

  • "The doctor checked my pulse to make sure my heart rate was stable."
  • "He could feel his pulse quicken as he ran up the stairs."
  • "The nurse took my pulse during the routine check-up."
  • "Her pulse was weak, indicating she might be dehydrated."
  • "The technician attached the sensor to monitor my pulse during surgery."
noun

The regular, recurring beat of music, especially in rhythm-based genres.

Examples

  • "The band's new track has an infectious pulse that makes you want to dance."
  • "I can feel the pulse of the music as it vibrates through the floor."
  • "The pulse of the song is steady, giving it a driving, energetic feel."
  • "He tapped his foot to the pulse of the jazz band."
  • "The drummer’s steady pulse kept the rest of the band in sync."
noun

A short burst of energy or signal, often used in electronics or communications.

Examples

  • "The device sends out a pulse of light to measure the distance."
  • "The satellite emitted a pulse that was detected by the receiver."
  • "The radar sends out a pulse every few seconds to scan for objects."
  • "The machine operates by sending a series of electrical pulses."
  • "The transmitter sends pulses of radio waves to communicate with the station."
verb

To beat or throb rhythmically, often used metaphorically to describe energy or emotion.

Examples

  • "Her heart pulsed with excitement as she opened the letter."
  • "The city pulsed with the energy of the festival."
  • "The lights pulsed in time with the beat of the music."
  • "You could hear the drumbeat pulsing through the walls."
  • "The excitement in the air pulsed, building up to the grand finale."

Cultural Context

The concept of 'pulse' has broad usage across many fields, such as medicine, music, and technology. Its physiological meaning is ancient, as early doctors and healers relied on pulse-taking to assess health. In modern contexts, pulse often refers to rhythms—whether in music or metaphorically in describing lively, dynamic situations. The word is rooted in Latin and Old French, indicating its long history in medical and human observation.

The Pulse of the City

Story

The Pulse of the City

It was a warm summer evening, and the city was alive with the pulse of the festival. As Mia walked through the streets, the rhythm of the music seemed to echo from every corner, a steady beat that made her feet move of their own accord. The pulse of the crowd was infectious, their energy flowing through her like electricity. She could feel her own pulse quicken as the excitement built around her. Mia stopped at a food stall, where a street musician was playing a slow, soulful tune. His guitar echoed the same pulse that vibrated in the air. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the deep rhythm of the music in her chest. It wasn’t just the sound; it was the feeling, a pulsing energy that seemed to come from the heart of the city itself. Across the street, a group of dancers moved in perfect sync, their bodies following the pulse of the music. Mia smiled and joined in, letting the rhythm guide her. As she danced, the pulse of the city seemed to shift, becoming more intense with each beat. She had never felt so connected to her surroundings. Later that night, as Mia returned home, she sat down on her balcony, her own pulse gradually slowing. The lights of the city flickered, each one pulsing in time with the music, creating a beautiful harmony of light and sound. The city never stopped, its pulse continuing, even as she drifted into sleep.

The Pulse of the City