heartthrob

noun heart·throb \ ˈhärt-ˌthräb \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of heartthrob

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

See heartthrob defined for English-language learners

See heartthrob defined for kids

Recent Examples of heartthrob from the Web

Billy Currington: Country heartthrob. Aug. 23 at Revention Music Center.

— joey guerra, Houston Chronicle, "New concerts: Bad Bunny, 5SOS, Goo Goo Dolls, Ivy Queen," 10 Apr. 2018
Reynolds isn't the only heartthrob to show Krasinski some love.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski's Internet Bromance Is Giving Us Life," 9 Apr. 2018
Actor and heartthrob Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman has launched a podcast called JBC Presents: Conversations With Others.

— patrick crowley, Billboard, "Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman's 'Otherness' Playlist: RuPaul, Beth Ditto, Jussie Smollett & More," 6 Apr. 2018
Aside from enlisting a new panel of judges — pop legend Lionel Richie, pop superstar Katy Perry and country heartthrob Luke Bryan — producers made a number of changes behind the scenes ahead of the show's return on Sunday and Monday.

— gerrick d. kennedy, latimes.com, "Can 'American Idol' still find a viable recording artist? The show's producers think so," 14 Mar. 2018
Hollywood heartthrob Armie Hammer has entered the hearts of many, thanks to his role in Call Me By Your Name.

— liana satenstein, Vogue, "Is Armie Hammer’s Tracksuit the Ultimate Oscars Clapback?," 26 Jan. 2018
Cuffe looks the part of a heartthrob hero, but the pacing is slow.

— david wiegand, San Francisco Chronicle, "On TV, March 21: ‘Krypton’ premiere on Syfy," 21 Mar. 2018
When she's cast as the lead in her school's controversial production of Spring Awakening across from the school's heartthrob quarterback (because, duh, her voice is amazing), her life is thrown upside down in the best way possible.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "Auli'i Cravalho Sang Her Playlist for Life and It Will Make You Laugh AND Cry With Emotion!," 17 Mar. 2018
Robinson is ideal parts heartthrob and geek in the title role.

— barbara vandenburgh, azcentral, "Gay teen romance 'Love, Simon' will make you fall head over heels," 15 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heartthrob.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of heartthrob

1796

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

HEARTTHROB Defined for English Language Learners

heartthrob

noun

Definition of heartthrob for English Language Learners

: an attractive and usually famous man

Learn More about heartthrob

See words that rhyme with heartthrob Nglish: Translation of heartthrob for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up heartthrob? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

heartthrob

Definition of heartthrob

Recent Examples of heartthrob from the Web

First Known Use of heartthrob

HEARTTHROB Defined for English Language Learners

heartthrob

Definition of heartthrob for English Language Learners

Learn More about heartthrob

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

heartthrob

Definition of heartthrob

Recent Examples of heartthrob from the Web

First Known Use of heartthrob

HEARTTHROB Defined for English Language Learners

heartthrob

Definition of heartthrob for English Language Learners

Learn More about heartthrob

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes