sweetheart

[ sweet-hahrt ]

noun

1. either of a pair of lovers in relation to the other.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) an affectionate or familiar term of address.
3. a beloved person.
4. Informal. a generous, friendly person.
5. Informal. anything that arouses loyal affection:

   My old car was a real sweetheart.

sweetheart

/ ˈswiːtˌhɑːt /

noun

1. a person loved by another
2. informal.
   a lovable, generous, or obliging person
3. a term of endearment for a beloved or lovable person

adjective

1. of or relating to a garment with a sweetheart neckline

   sweetheart cardigan

Word History and Origins

Origin of sweetheart¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, sweetheart is from Middle English swete herte. See sweet, heart

Example Sentences

A 102-year-old woman who served as a land girl during World War Two has recalled the betrayal she felt when letters from her sweetheart were kept from her by a disapproving mother.

From BBC

“Because, listen here, sweetheart: We’re not messing around this time, and we will put your fat a** in prison for conspiracy against rights, and I promise you that.”

From Salon

At times it was bizarre - he admired my shorthand, commented on my British accent and seemed to patronise me - calling me “sweetheart”.

From BBC

At the time of his death, his wife and childhood sweetheart, Samantha, was expecting their first child.

From BBC

My son’s father played football, and we were high-school sweethearts, so I would constantly be going to his games in both high school and in his time at Texas Southern.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boyfriend
• companion
• darling
• girlfriend
• heartthrob
• lover