sweetheart
SWEET-haht
Sweetheart (noun) means a term of affection used for a romantic partner or a loved one. Example: “He called his wife "sweetheart" every morning.”
noun
1
A term of affection used for a romantic partner or a loved one.
"He called his wife "sweetheart" every morning."
"Thanks for the tea, sweetheart, you always know exactly what I need."
"Come here, sweetheart, and let me give you a big hug."
2
A person one is romantically involved with, especially early in a relationship.
"They were high school sweethearts."
"She married her childhood sweetheart after they both came home from university."
"Grandad still talks about his first sweetheart, a girl he met at a dance."
How to use sweetheart
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loving nickname for a partner, or someone you're romantically attached to.
Common pairings
high school sweethearts
hey, sweetheart
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Word forms
- Plural
- sweethearts
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He called his wife "_____" every morning.
Etymology
From Middle English swete heorte, literally "sweet heart" — a term of endearment.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sweetheart
See all rhymes for sweetheart →Frequently asked questions
What does “sweetheart” mean?
The word “sweetheart” means a term of affection used for a romantic partner or a loved one. In plain terms, a loving nickname for a partner, or someone you're romantically attached to.
How do you pronounce “sweetheart”?
“Sweetheart” is pronounced SWEET-haht (/ˈswiːtˌhɑːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “sweetheart” in a sentence?
Here is “sweetheart” used in a sentence: “He called his wife "sweetheart" every morning.”
What is another word for “sweetheart”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sweetheart” include sweetie, baby, dear, darling, babber and precious.
What part of speech is “sweetheart”?
“Sweetheart” is a noun.
Where does the word “sweetheart” come from?
The word “sweetheart” comes from Middle English. From Middle English swete heorte, literally "sweet heart" — a term of endearment.
Is “sweetheart” a common word?
“Sweetheart” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “sweetheart” have?
“Sweetheart” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a term of affection used for a romantic partner or a loved one.
Is sweetheart used for romantic partners only or can it be used more broadly?
Sweetheart is used both as a term of affection for a romantic partner and more broadly for any loved one, and it can also describe a person one is romantically involved with, especially early in a relationship. Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context and tone.
Is sweetheart a formal or informal term?
Sweetheart is an informal, affectionate term, typically used in close personal relationships rather than professional or formal settings. It conveys warmth and fondness.
Can sweetheart be used for someone who is not a romantic partner?
Yes, sweetheart can be used as a general term of affection for any loved one, not exclusively a romantic partner, such as a family member or close friend. Context usually makes clear which sense is intended.
