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.
At the time, the soon-to-be interstellar heartthrob had just started a new bartending gig — one that would be short-lived. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025 The 61-year-old California native began his acting career as heartthrob Blackie Parrish on the daytime soap opera General Hospital in the ’80s and went on to land the iconic role of Jesse Katsopolis on the popular sitcom Full House. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025 Bobby Sherman’s wife says ‘everything is shutting down’ as '60s heartthrob battles terminal illness 'ABSOLUTELY AMAZING' - 'Pawn Stars' boss Rick Harrison praises Trump for border crackdown after son's death. Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025 That Badgley is a heartthrob adds to the effectiveness of the series. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 10 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 17 Apr. 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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