heartthrob

noun

heart·​throb ˈhärt-ˌthräb How to pronounce heartthrob (audio)
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.
Fan interactions are inevitable for a star like Leonardo DiCaprio, the former heartthrob turned permanent Hollywood A-lister, but some are more puzzling than others. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 Lepley, who plays the heartthrob Boaz, has been in a relationship with his fiancée, Miracle Watts, since 2021. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 By ABC's standards, the controversy has been dealt with and Owens is ready to be the heartthrob that Gerry Turner, then 72, was in the hugely successful first season of the series. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Leonardo DiCaprio has longtime fans pondering if a former teen heartthrob by any other name is still just as famous. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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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