lonely-hearts

American  

[lohn-lee-hahrts] / ˈloʊn liˌhɑrts /

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.

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lonely hearts British  

adjective

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

   a lonely hearts advertisement

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Etymology

Origin of lonely-hearts

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

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

“Love Fraud,” wrote The Times’ Kenneth Turan in his fest preview, examines “the depredations of a heartless lonely-hearts con man and the determination of the women who decide to take him on.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Love Fraud”: Veterans Rachel Grady and Ewing examine the depredations of a heartless lonely-hearts conman and the determination of the women who decide to take him on.

From Los Angeles Times