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.
Locals and visitors tested the limits of their cell phone batteries capturing videos for TikTok, shooting selfies for Instagram and Googling whether heartthrob Riley Green was single. Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Yang Gwan-sik (played by K-drama heartthrob Park Bo-gum) is Ae-sun’s childhood friend who later becomes her devoted husband. Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 That time when Walnut Grove heartthrob Matthew Labyorteaux brought chaos to a renaissance fair. Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 20 May 2025 Fellow heartthrob Chad Michael Murray reminisces over the same sweet scent from those kissing scenes in A Cinderella Story. Michelle Lee, People.com, 20 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 10 Jul. 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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