noun
heartstrings
HAHTST-rihngz
Heartstrings (noun) means a person's deepest emotions, especially feelings of love or compassion. Example: “The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's heartstrings.”
noun
1
A person's deepest emotions, especially feelings of love or compassion.
"The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's heartstrings."
"The sad eyes of the orphan tugged at my heartstrings."
"Okay, okay. Untie him before Hannelore busts a heartstring."
— Jeph Jacques, Sob Story (2011)
How to use heartstrings
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour innermost, most tender emotions.
Memory tip
Almost always used in the phrase "tug/pull at someone's heartstrings."
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
tug at the heartstrings
pull on the heartstrings
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Word forms
- Singular
- heartstring
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's _____.
Etymology
Originally an anatomical term for the tendons imagined to hold the heart in place; it later became a poetic way to describe deep emotion, as in "tugging at the heartstrings."
Frequently asked questions
What does “heartstrings” mean?
The word “heartstrings” means a person's deepest emotions, especially feelings of love or compassion. In plain terms, your innermost, most tender emotions.
How do you pronounce “heartstrings”?
“Heartstrings” is pronounced HAHTST-rihngz (/ˈhɑɹtˌstɹɪŋz/ in IPA).
How do you use “heartstrings” in a sentence?
Here is “heartstrings” used in a sentence: “The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's heartstrings.”
What part of speech is “heartstrings”?
“Heartstrings” is a noun.
