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.
David Bowie personally appears on the cover of 24 of his solo albums, depicting himself as a bowl-cut heartthrob, an androgynous blond, a space alien in human disguise, a cigarette-smoking lounge creature, a sideways pair of legs, and an oddly undersized boxer. Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 The group successfully climbed the charts with their combination of catchy pop hits with heartthrob appeal. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026 The coupling of country star Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks heartthrob Chase Stokes first came to the world's attention in January of 2023, when they were spotted at a football game together. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026 Other Mexican acts, like musica mexicana heartthrob DannyLux and production wunderkind NSQK, have all been eager to jump on recent collabs with the guys, spinning off major songs. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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