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

The show co-stars hunky heartthrob Stephen Michael Spencer, who plays a singer-songwriter in a Nashville open mike bar called the Wicked Tickle. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026

Neill is at his most handsome, charming heartthrob best here, and the film received an Oscar nod for its period costume design. — ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Once the darling of the NBA, the next heartthrob to splash on posters and commercials, the acrobatic point guard concedes he is viewed negatively. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Ong Seong-wu has remained a heartthrob, appearing in several films and television series. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heartthrob

• kebab
• nawab
• blob
• bob
• cob
• daub
• fob
• glob
• gob
• hob
• job
• knob

Kids 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