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

"Can you tell me your name, sweetheart? Tell me your name, darling. Can you do that?"

From Literature

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

From Literature

Salvador had taken notice of several girls in town but slender, big-eyed Dorotea Ortega was the one he’d claimed as his sweetheart.

From Literature

Salvador hoped to make Dorotea his novia, his sweetheart, but Captain Ortega would not let him court her.

From Literature

“Oh, sweetheart, you haven't messed up anything. You are perfect, so perfect, do you know that? I remember when you were born. The moment I saw you, that was my first thought: she’s perfect.”

From Literature

Related Words

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