heartthrob

noun

heart·​throb ˈhärt-ˌthräb How to pronounce heartthrob (audio)
1
: the throb of a heart
2
a
: sentimental emotion : passion
b
: sweetheart
also : a usually renowned man (such as an entertainer) noted for his sex appeal
teen heartthrobs

Examples of heartthrob 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.
In 2020, the former teen heartthrob was arrested for allegedly strangling his girlfriend, pleading guilty to two domestic violence misdemeanor charges. John Russell, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 The boy band heartthrob Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo Seok) encourages his mobility challenged admirer Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) and inspires a twisty relationship in this sunny time travel romantic-comedy. Simon Abrams, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024 In his prime heartthrob days, Justin Bieber turned a song full of childhood wonder into one of teenage excitement. Justin Curto, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 In an interview with People in September, the '80s heartthrob reflected on life as an empty-nester after his youngest left for college. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heartthrob 

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartthrob was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near heartthrob

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

heartthrob

noun
heart·​throb -ˌthräb How to pronounce heartthrob (audio)
1
: the throb of a heart
2
: a sentimental emotion : passion
b
: sweetheart
also : an attractive and usually famous man

More from Merriam-Webster on heartthrob

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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