thirst trap

noun

plural thirst traps
: a photograph (such as a selfie) or video shared for the purpose of attracting attention or desire
A thirst trap is always clearly posted or sent for the attention and admiration of one or more people—but is often done coyly …Madeline Merinuk
Several of the videos posted by Mr. Ossoff, 35, who has moppy brown hair and boyish good looks, have been interpreted by his fans as thirst traps.Anna P. Kambhampaty
also : someone or something that attracts attention or strong desire
Thirst trap Boris Kodjoe spends a lot of time without clothes in the movie, to the delight of his fans. Tonya Pendleton
He's not just a thoughtful and empathetic leader, he's also an A+ thirst trap. GQ
Michael Roos is a long-time DJ, and his house is a thirst trap for music lovers with a colossal collection of vinyl, an adjoined music studio and walls lined with memorabilia. Eva Raggio

Examples of thirst trap 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.
That means that Elizabeth had to respond when the 23-year-old model and actor took to social media to share a shirtless thirst trap on Thursday, June 19. Michael Nied, People.com, 20 June 2025 So, go ahead and post a thirst trap or a video showcasing your gifts. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 9 June 2025 But sometimes, nothing is better than a good old-fashioned Instagram thirst trap. Brendan Le, People.com, 21 May 2025 And now, there’s another, albeit slightly unorthodox approach: a TikTok account making thirst traps of Yellowstone National Park. Teaghan Skulszki, Outside Online, 15 May 2025 Her latest thirst trap comes almost exactly two years after the grand reveal of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot in May 2023. Michael Nied, People.com, 13 May 2025 Reneé Rapp is teasing new music — with the help of some thirst traps. Ana Osorno, Them., 13 May 2025 Well-known before, the attorney would become a bona fide celebrity and an improbable thirst trap. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025 Related article Online chefs are posting thirst traps for their followers. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Note: Thirst trap in the above sense appears to be a recycling of the phrase in an earlier sense, "feeling of satiety during exercise after drinking a small amount of liquid without fully rehydrating the body."

First Known Use

2011, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thirst trap was in 2011

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thirst trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thirst%20trap. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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