love interest
Americannoun
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a person (especially in fiction) presented as a romantic partner or potential romantic partner.
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the romantic subplot in a work of fiction.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dennis’s highest priority is protecting his love interest, Grace, who has developed a dangerous fascination with the Great When and its vivid blend of danger and beauty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
The “Practical Magic 2” cast also includes Xolo Maridueña, who plays Kylie’s seemingly ill-fated love interest, and Solly McLeod.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
Australia’s Patrick Brammall is engaging as Andy’s love interest, but his underwritten character is one of those generic dial-a-hunk types that pop up in woman-centered stories.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 29, 2026
Not only do his friends have no idea he exists, but his girlfriend MJ -- played by Zendaya -- has a new love interest.
From Barron's ● Apr. 14, 2026
I had no love interest whatsoever, yet my mom insisted.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
