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 Joe Keery has already solidified himself as a breakthrough actor during his run as heartthrob Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Xander Zellner, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2024 Others say it’s influenced by a national fan culture powered by intense worship of stars, who are in some cases heartthrobs. John Yoon, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 While Jack's most romantic gesture involved not murdering everyone's favorite harried personal assistant, Woodall steps up his heartthrob game for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of David Nicholls’ best-selling romance, One Day. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2024 Billy Dee Williams, 86, is a legendary actor and perennial heartthrob. Janine Rubenstein, Peoplemag, 7 Feb. 2024 Before his time as a Disney Channel heartthrob, Harper was flexing his dancing skills. EW.com, 13 Dec. 2023 However, that dream is suddenly derailed when the cheeky yet secretly grieving high-school heartthrob, Drayton, crashes into her life. Adam Wescott, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Before the premiere on Monday evening, the two Hollywood heartthrobs attended a photocall at the Shangri-La in Paris in decidedly stylish ‘fits. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2024 On Friday, the Thirteen actress shared another TikTok with Somerhalder, this time poking fun at his Vampire Diaries heartthrob's broody nature. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heartthrob.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartthrob was in 1796

Dictionary Entries Near heartthrob

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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