heartthrob

[ hahrt-throb ]

noun

1. a rapid beat or pulsation of the heart.
2. a passionate or sentimental emotion.
3. sweetheart.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartthrob¹

First recorded in 1840–50; heart + throb

Example Sentences

The 45-year-old “Office” heartthrob and “Jack Ryan” actor joked that his wife and “A Quiet Place” co-star Emily Blunt has plans to keep him humble as he joins the ranks of honorees including Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

From Los Angeles Times

His breakout role in a popular soap opera titled “Love and Truth” in 1984 led to a heady career as a national heartthrob.

From Los Angeles Times

What was it like to be the heartthrob in Pink Floyd?

From Los Angeles Times

Chalamet — who was previously declared a “Cinnamon Roll Man” and the internet's favorite “white boy of the month” — is the epitome of Gen Z cool and continues to be the generation’s favorite heartthrob.

From Salon

The band enjoyed massive success, catapulting Pellow into a heartthrob - a status that remains decades on.

From BBC

Related Words

• sweetheart