lonely-hearts

[ lohn-lee-hahrts ]

adjective

1. of or for people seeking counseling or companionship to bring love or romance into their lives:

   a lonely-hearts column in the newspaper.

lonely hearts

adjective

1. often capitals of or for people who wish to meet a congenial companion or marriage partner

   a lonely hearts advertisement

Word History and Origins

Origin of lonely-hearts¹

First recorded in 1930–35; probably most closely associated with the novel Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West (1902?-40)

Example Sentences

For a few hours at least, novels with protagonists like these allow me, one of so many busy bees in New York City’s go-go honeycomb, to flail vicariously, a smug literary tourist among the lonely-hearts and lost souls.

From New York Times

The hunt and capture of lonely-hearts con artist Richard Scott Smith is at the center of this Showtime thriller.

From Los Angeles Times

The rise of apps catered towards lonely-hearts with specific tastes in bedfellows has brought about Raya — a private, membership-based network for celebrities and non-famous rich people, Christian Mingle — for those who'd prefer to pray and play, and now The Right Stuff — a dating app for right-wingers who would hear Beyoncé's call to swipe "to the left, to the left" and shudder.

From Salon

The protagonist of “Found Wanting,” Stuart’s 2020 short story, has placed a lonely-hearts ad: “M — 17, Discreet, Not Out.”

From New York Times

Lonely-hearts schemes: Regulators say that more schemers are striking up online romances with the lonely and homebound, then persuading them to part with their money.

From Seattle Times