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

This too was revealed by the Grammy Award–winner and heartthrob in the past week or so and, as if all that weren’t enough, Styles gave us one more sneak peek into his world (erm, wellness habits) recently. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 23 Jan. 2026

While paparazzi shots captured the heartthrob during the past couple of years globetrotting with various female companions, Styles has maintained privacy in his personal life. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026

Powell isn't the only heartthrob rocking a mulet at the 2026 Golden Globes. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026

There was the unexpected—nearly every major heartthrob, including Glen Powell, Jacob Elordi, Connor Storrie, and Patrick Schwarzenegger, got a mullet. —Staff Author, InStyle, 11 Jan. 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