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.
But her husband has assured fans that his reputation as a Hollywood heartthrob doesn’t intimidate her at all. Emily Blackwood, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 Below is a roundup of the hottest and dandiest guys in Vogue Runway’s street style coverage, from Paul Mescal in short-shorts at Gucci to the British heartthrob Louis Partridge and Jaehyun of NCT in Prada. Irene Kim, Vogue, 11 Jan. 2025 Actor Macaulay Culkin dresses up as Joe Burrow ahead of Halloween Burrow is the latest in a long line of heartthrobs to have a look-alike contest in his honor. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 21 Dec. 2024 Since then, the Irish actor has emerged as a global heartthrob and style icon. Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near heartthrob

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 14 Feb. 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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