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

Between retailer window displays, social media buzz, and sightings all over New York City streets, the charming print is everywhere right now—even landing in the wardrobes of style icon Lisa Rinna and everyone’s new favorite heartthrob, Hudson Williams. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026

Bennett is best known for playing the heartthrob Aaron Samuels in 2004’s Mean Girls. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

The former teen heartthrob married actress Katie Peterson in 2021 after seven years of dating. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026

His father was Argentine movie heartthrob Fernando Lamas and his mother was Norwegian American actress Arlene Dahl. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 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