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
As James Van Der Beek fans rally around the former teen heartthrob amid his health struggles, the actor is parting with some rare memorabilia to assist with treatment costs.
—
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
How has the former teen heartthrob, now in his mid-40s, kept his own youthful appearance?
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025
In his decades in the industry — dating back to his years on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains — he's grown up in front of the cameras, achieving leading man status at a young age before transitioning to the ultimate heartthrob in Titanic, and now an award-winning actor.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
After starring alongside Hollywood heartthrobs like Martin Sheen, Mel Gibson, and Sam Shepard, Sissy Spacek knows a thing or two about heating up the silver screen.
—Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
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Glenn Garner, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025
How has the former teen heartthrob, now in his mid-40s, kept his own youthful appearance?
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025
In his decades in the industry — dating back to his years on the 1980s sitcom Growing Pains — he's grown up in front of the cameras, achieving leading man status at a young age before transitioning to the ultimate heartthrob in Titanic, and now an award-winning actor.
—Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
After starring alongside Hollywood heartthrobs like Martin Sheen, Mel Gibson, and Sam Shepard, Sissy Spacek knows a thing or two about heating up the silver screen.
—Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
Cite this Entry
“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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