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.
Bieber, who has amassed over 290 million followers on the app, represents the ultimate heartthrob for subsets of younger generations. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 To those used to seeing Mescal shine as the quiet and caring boyfriend on Normal People, watching the Irish heartthrob play a wife-beater and rapist stalking his prey with a maniacal grin is certainly a somewhat disturbing (and impressive) transformation. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025 The former twentysomething heartthrob may be following the road paved by Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and other Adonis-handsome gents who gambled their careers on unconventional choices and outrageous extremes (see: 12 Monkeys, Edward Scissorhands). David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025 Eighties heartthrob, actor and director Andrew McCarthy talks about how exploring the globe and writing about it may be his most important role yet. Demarco Williams, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 30 Mar. 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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