heartthrob
noun
heart·throb
ˈhärt-ˌthräb 
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
From eating hot dogs in Hyde Park to dancing with a Hollywood heartthrob, the royals have endeared themselves to the American people.
—
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
John Stamos posted this epic throwback on Instagram, which just goes to show that once a heartthrob, always a heartthrob.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Our insider dished that Jessica Alba and her main squeeze, Miami native turned Hollywood heartthrob Danny Ramirez, tucked in there recently, too.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Between retailer window displays, social media buzz, and sightings all over New York City streets, the charming print is everywhere right now—even landing in the wardrobes of style icon Lisa Rinna and everyone’s new favorite heartthrob, Hudson Williams.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
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Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
John Stamos posted this epic throwback on Instagram, which just goes to show that once a heartthrob, always a heartthrob.
—Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Our insider dished that Jessica Alba and her main squeeze, Miami native turned Hollywood heartthrob Danny Ramirez, tucked in there recently, too.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Between retailer window displays, social media buzz, and sightings all over New York City streets, the charming print is everywhere right now—even landing in the wardrobes of style icon Lisa Rinna and everyone’s new favorite heartthrob, Hudson Williams.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for heartthrob
Cite this Entry
“Heartthrob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartthrob. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heartthrob
noun
heart·throb
-ˌthräb
1
: the throb of a heart
2
: a sentimental emotion : passion
b
: sweetheart
also
: an attractive and usually famous man
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