heartthrob

noun

heart·​throb ˈhärt-ˌthräb How to pronounce heartthrob (audio)
Synonyms of heartthrobnext
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.
Chris Evans has stolen the hearts of America as an onscreen heartthrob. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 The actor is also well-aware of Almanzo’s heartthrob status — hey, someone in Walnut Grove had to be the town hunk! Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 If Clueless made Rudd a heartthrob, Anchorman secured his spot in what became comedy’s new Brat Pack, alongside actors like Steve Carell, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel. Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026 With Apambichao, the Colombian heartthrob leans fully into his roots and swagger as a costeño, or a person that lives on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Spin Staff, SPIN, 1 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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

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