heartthrob
noun
heart·throb
ˈhärt-ˌthräb 
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
So does progressive heartthrob Graham Platner, who is running for Senate in Maine.
—
Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2026
As the New York Times’ Kyle Buchanan has written, the Oscars’ infamous bias against young men is essentially a bias against heartthrobs — the more an actor appeals to young women, the more likely the largely male, largely middle-aged membership of the Academy is to write him off as a lightweight.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
This Heated Rivalry heartthrob looked smoking hot in a crisp black suit from Balenciaga designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
In reality, the shirtless twunk heartthrobs are Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield of the indie-pop group Cub Sport, using this opportunity to shed the trappings of a decade-long career.
—Reanna Cruz, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
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Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2026
As the New York Times’ Kyle Buchanan has written, the Oscars’ infamous bias against young men is essentially a bias against heartthrobs — the more an actor appeals to young women, the more likely the largely male, largely middle-aged membership of the Academy is to write him off as a lightweight.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
This Heated Rivalry heartthrob looked smoking hot in a crisp black suit from Balenciaga designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli.
—Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
In reality, the shirtless twunk heartthrobs are Tim Nelson and Sam Netterfield of the indie-pop group Cub Sport, using this opportunity to shed the trappings of a decade-long career.
—Reanna Cruz, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
Cite this Entry
“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heartthrob
noun
heart·throb
-ˌthräb
1
: the throb of a heart
2
: a sentimental emotion : passion
b
: sweetheart
also
: an attractive and usually famous man
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