heartstrings

American  

[hahrt-stringz] / ˈhɑrtˌstrɪŋz /

plural noun

1. the deepest feelings; the strongest affections.

   to tug at one's heartstrings.

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heartstrings British  

/ ˈhɑːtˌstrɪŋz /

plural noun

1. facetious deep emotions or feelings

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Etymology

Origin of heartstrings

First recorded in 1475–85; heart + strings ( def. )

Example Sentences

“The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan” strikes the right balance of sincerity in the hands of Jasmine Warga, though there’s still plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Sometimes, it’s easier to say “no” to a request than to resist someone pulling at your heartstrings to acquiesce to their wishes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

He said claims like Wandelt's "pull on your heartstrings" but were "damaging" to the search for his daughter.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2025

“Visions” Volume 3 installments “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope” and “Yuko’s Treasure” each introduce loyal droids that tug viewers’ heartstrings.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

Will it be the tug on their heartstrings that makes it all too much, that makes them turn to a convenient comedy to take their minds off the harsh corners of the world?

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon