open-heart

adjective

ˌō-pən-ˈhärt How to pronounce open-heart (audio)
: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery

Examples of open-heart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While traditional core transformation projects have been unflatteringly compared to performing open-heart surgery while the patient is running a marathon, the options available to modernizing banks are increasing in number. — Jody Bhagat, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 In September 2017, Vincent suffered a heart attack and underwent open-heart surgery. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 Adkins was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and underwent emergency open-heart surgery. — Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Kiana was intubated for 12 days, battled severe reflux and later underwent open-heart surgery. — Olivia Young, CBS News, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for open-heart

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-heart was in 1959

Rhymes for open-heart

See All Rhymes for open-heart

Browse Nearby Words

open-headed
open-heart
openhearted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open-heart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-heart. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

open-heart

adjective
: of, relating to, or done on a heart temporarily stopped and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery

Medical Definition

open-heart

adjective
: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage
open-heart surgery
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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