sweetheart

American  

[sweet-hahrt] / ˈswitˌhɑrt /

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.

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sweetheart British  

/ 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

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adjective

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

   sweetheart cardigan

Etymology

Origin of sweetheart

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

Example Sentences

“No, I don’t have a sweetheart,” I said, as I turned my back to her to walk away.

From Literature

People also meet their sweethearts in college or at jobs that require similar qualifications.

From MarketWatch

"It's here that we still meet our sweethearts, that we swap our numbers scribbled on little bits of paper," says fisherman Paulin Agbokounou.

From Barron's

"Good night, sweetheart," she whispered, as she did every night, thinking that he was asleep and could not hear her.

From Literature

“Let’s go find your sweetheart,” she said to him in a kind voice before turning to bark another order at the boy.

From Literature

Related Words

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