Definition of "sweetheart" []

• One who is loved. (noun)
• Used as a familiar term of endearment. (noun)
• Informal A person regarded as generous or lovable. (noun)
• Informal Something cherished for its excellent qualities. (noun)
• Involving privileged treatment of a favored party; illegally or unethically favorable: "another land grab, another sweetheart deal based on political influence” ( Village Voice). (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The word sweetheart had given her a sickening feeling."
• "His use of the word sweetheart nearly caused her to slap him again."
• "At the word sweetheart, her red lips had parted on a gasp and tears had misted her hazel eyes."