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

Richard Gere was hot off heartthrob roles in romantic films like Pretty Woman, Sommersby, and Runaway Bride, when he was cast as a conventional, middle-aged husband in director Adrian Lyne’s Unfaithful. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Aug. 2026

At the season 1 premiere, Blucas reflected on his full-circle journey, from playing teen heartthrobs in the ‘90s on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer to now portraying a dad of teens on My Life With the Walter Boys. — Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

And Odysseus isn't winning heartthrob of the year in Wilson's book. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2026

The former teen heartthrob was just 18 when he was cast in the 1980 movie opposite Brooke Shields. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heartthrob

• kebab
• nawab
• blob
• bob
• cob
• daub
• fob
• glob
• gob
• hob
• job
• knob

Kids 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