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
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Call it another twist in the story of an accidental heartthrob turned self-effacing star — or simply the irony of teller and tale — but despite his discomfort with visibility, Arlaud has become one of the most outspoken left-wing voices in contemporary French cinema. Ben Croll, IndieWire, 12 May 2026 The pairing of Boomer heartthrob Gere with Gen Zer Diana Silvers (Booksmart) gives this romantic drama potential cross-generational appeal, particularly for traditional theatrical distributors. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 May 2026 The two heartthrobs have also become fashion icons in their own right. Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026 Both Mick Jagger and Harry Styles possess a certain swagger, and while the Rolling Stones singer is old enough to be the One Direction heartthrob's granddad, in the past their similar good looks have had some overzealous bloggers suggesting the boy bander could play Jagger in a biopic. Laura Lane, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 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 20 May. 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

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