top of page

Vocabulary word Pulsate - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Dictionary Definition of pulsate

To beat or throb in a rhythmic, regular, and recurring expansion and contraction or beating movement.
"The rhythmic sound of the drum made the room pulsate with energy."

Detailed Meaning of Pulsate

It signifies a steady and continuous pattern of swelling and shrinking, creating a palpable sense of regularity and intensity. When something pulsates, it appears to be surging or throbbing in a consistent, often synchronized manner, as if following a precise rhythm or tempo. This word is frequently used to describe phenomena like a pulsating light, a pulsating pain, or the pulsation of blood through arteries, highlighting the notion of an ongoing, measured, and cyclic motion. Overall, "pulsate" conveys the idea of a pulsing or beating movement that occurs at a regular and recurrent pace, often evoking a sense of vitality and persistence.

Example Sentences for Pulsate

1. The nightclub's lights pulsate to the rhythm of the music.
2. His heart would pulsate rapidly during moments of excitement.
3. The neon sign outside the diner would pulsate in the night.
4. The star appeared to pulsate with a gentle, steady glow.
5. The dancer's movements made the room pulsate with energy.
6. In meditation, one can feel their breath pulsate in and out.

Origin and Etymology of Pulsate

The verb 'pulsate' finds its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'pulsare,' which is related to 'pulsus,' meaning 'a beating' or 'a stroke.' In Latin, 'pulsare' referred to the action of beating or striking rhythmically, and this sense of regular, recurring motion is retained in the English term 'pulsate.' 'Pulsate' is used to describe actions or phenomena that exhibit a rhythmic, regular, and recurring expansion and contraction or beating movement, such as the pulsation of a heartbeat or the throbbing of a machine. The etymology of 'pulsate' effectively conveys its historical connection to the idea of rhythmic beating or pulsing, emphasizing its role as a verb used to describe motions characterized by regular and repetitive expansion and contraction.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding 

Find the correct meaning of the verb pulsate:

Try Again!

Correct!

More Usage Examples of Pulsate

1. The engine's vibrations caused the car's frame to pulsate.
2. The drums' rhythm made the crowd's hearts pulsate in sync.
3. The throbbing pain caused her temples to pulsate intensely.
4. The nightclub speakers would pulsate with bass-heavy beats.
5. The city's nightlife made the streets pulsate with activity.
6. The lighthouse's beam would pulsate across the dark sea.
7. The blood would pulsate through his veins with each heartbeat.
8. The sci-fi movie featured a spaceship that would pulsate as it traveled.
9. The electronic music made the dance floor pulsate with energy.
10. The neon sign above the bar would pulsate in various colors.
11. The concert's atmosphere made the crowd's emotions pulsate.
12. The tension in the room made the air pulsate with anticipation.
13. The star's brightness would pulsate in the night sky.
14. The fireworks would pulsate with color and light in the sky.
15. The music made my heart pulsate with excitement.
16. I could feel the floor pulsate beneath my feet.
17. The light from the club sign seemed to pulsate with the beat of the music.
18. The throbbing pain caused my head to pulsate.
19. The engine of the car began to pulsate as it struggled up the hill.
20. The glow of the neon lights seemed to pulsate in the darkness.
21. The star appeared to pulsate in the night sky.
22. The wound on his leg began to pulsate, indicating that it was infected.
23. The sea seemed to pulsate with the movement of the waves.
24. The lights in the tunnel began to pulsate as the train approached.
25. The crowd began to pulsate with excitement as the performer took the stage.

Synonyms and Related Words for Pulsate

drum
hammer
palpitate
pound
thud
thump
tremble
vibrate

Learn 3,700 Essential Words

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook
5 stars

(4.5)

  • 147 lessons, 428 practical activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

Learn 2,000 Must-Know Adjectives

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives
5 stars

(4.8)

  • 99 lessons, 232 activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

Learn 1,500 Must-Know Verbs

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs
5 stars

(4.8)

  • 70 lessons, 175 activities

  • Dictionary, thesaurus, workbook

  • TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, ACT

Vocabulary Lists  >  Cause and Effect  >  Pulsate
IPA: /pʌlˈseɪt/

How to pronounce pulsate in IPA:

p=pin | ʌ=cup | l=lip | s=sip | eɪ=say | t=top

Pulsate (verb) – English Dictionary Meaning | Definition, Pronunciation, Examples, Synonyms, Etymology

Click to hear pronunciation (audio)

pulsate

Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​​​​​​​

Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

bottom of page