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.
John Foster John Foster quickly became a fan favorite as the country heartthrob of the season. Caroline Blair, People.com, 5 May 2025 Elordi, this era’s brooding heartthrob, makes a laughably transparent hero for Minahan’s thesis about the shock of homophobia. Armond White, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025 Aaron’s big brother Nick, better known as the heartthrob of the Backstreet Boys, was paving the way for the young singer, showing him the ropes of stardom. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 15 Apr. 2025 Jamie shared the video of her Gen Z daughter rating some of her favorite 90s heartthrobs on Instagram (@echolanedesigns). Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 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 6 Jun. 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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