heartthrob

noun heart·throb \ ˈhärt-ˌthräb \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 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

The move comes as heartthrob Rizzo, one of Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School’s most famous alumni, is set to marry fiancée Emily Vakos after this season.

— jose lambiet, miamiherald, "Baseball's Anthony Rizzo buys $4.57 million mansion in Fort Lauderdale," 6 June 2018
This Is Us heartthrob Milo Ventimiglia, Vanessa Hudgens and JLo's IRL bestie Leah Remini join the singer-actress for the movie.

— erin jensen, USA TODAY, "9 movies romance junkies need to see this year," 4 May 2018
Fans, which some reports are numbering in the thousands, started lining up at 7 a.m. on Monday morning in hopes of catching a glimpse of their favorite 1990s heartthrobs.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "Watch *NSYNC Accept Their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," 30 Apr. 2018
But in addition to his good looks, the erstwhile heartthrob is also a savvy businessman and a complete car and motorcycle nut.

— charles fleming, latimes.com, "L.A. Drives: Carving a Malibu canyon with Fabio," 15 Mar. 2018
Another everlasting heartthrob came to the attention of international audiences in 1960.

— maura kelly, Marie Claire, "The 10 Hottest International Male Movie Stars Evvv-ah," 28 May 2010
The second-youngest, Lux becomes the most rebellious and embarks on a clumsy romance with high-school heartthrob Trip Fontaine (Josh Hartnett), who is alternately sweet and thoughtless in his courtship of her.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "Why The Virgin Suicides Is Still So Resonant Today," 26 Apr. 2018
Rafael, once a physician, moves into a Catholic retirement community following his wife's death and gains two sidekicks: the former soap opera heartthrob Pablo and the spastic, stridently wacky Anselmo.

— ben sachs, Chicago Reader, "The wall’s gonna fall at the Chicago Latino Film Festival," 5 Apr. 2018
However, when the One Direction heartthrob finished his rendition, Harry, 33, was spotted glancing at Markle while making a face and raising his eyebrows.

— stephanie nolasco, Fox News, "Meghan Markle, Prince Harry cause social media stir for their reaction to Liam Payne's performance," 13 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.