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
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.
Photograph by Anthony Pham The boy-band-heartthrob-to-solo-superstar pipeline is a familiar one in the pop pantheon, but few have worn it as well as the British singer Harry Styles. — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Travolta had his breakout role on Welcome Back, Kotter, playing remedial student, heartthrob, and unofficial Sweathogs leader Vinnie Barbarino. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Sep. 2026 Harry Styles first played Madison Square Garden at 18, as a heartthrob in a little pop quintet called One Direction. — Michelle Ruiz, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 Now, two new heartthrobs of the 2020s have joined the party, with Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie and Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland both buzzing their notable hairstyles in favor of a summery buzz cut. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Aug. 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

Rhymes for heartthrob

See All Rhymes for heartthrob

Browse Nearby Words

heart-struck
heartthrob
heart tie
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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

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