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 White's bad-boy heartthrob status has given way to many horny memes, as well as curiosity about his love life. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 25 June 2026 The boys on stage are in their 60s, but embody the once-a-heartthrob-always-a-heartthrob spirit. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 20 May 2026 The American heartthrob was working as an unknown actor. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 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

Rhymes for heartthrob

See All Rhymes for heartthrob

Browse Nearby Words

heart-struck
heartthrob
heart tie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heartthrob

Nglish: Translation of heartthrob for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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