heartthrob

noun

heart·​throb ˈhärt-ˌthräb How to pronounce heartthrob (audio)
Synonyms of heartthrobnext
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
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But in the stadium suites, Kardashian, 45, sat next to the Formula One champion and heartthrob, both flashing smiles and deep in conversation as the game went on, but otherwise seemed to show little affection publicly. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 This 25-year-old devout Christian heartthrob has palpable charisma, a radiant magnetism that one of his fellow evangelicals might call a halo. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2026 The Fuller House heartthrob married his wife Caitlin McHugh in February 2018. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026 Colin Bridgerton Last season's heartthrob, none other than third eldest Bridgerton sibling Colin Bridgerton, is 25 years old—making him five years Penelope's senior. Christina Perrier, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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