1. A term of endearment for a loved one, especially a child or romantic partner. How was school today, sweetheart? OK, sweetheart, I'll see you at 8 o'clock.

2. A person with whom one is romantically involved. A: "So, Jeff, I hear you've got a little sweetheart at school!" B: "Ah, don't go embarrassing the boy, Linda!" I really don't mind being single, but I do sometimes wish I had a sweetheart in my life to spend time with and confide in.

3. An especially kind, generous, friendly person. A: "Tom came over and did a bunch of chores for me while I was laid out in bed with the flu." B: "Yeah, he's a real sweetheart like that. A: "Here, I brought you some flowers because I knew you were a little down in the dumps." B: "Oh my gosh, you are such a sweetheart!"

1. An industrial agreement made between an employer and local labor union officials containing terms beneficial to the employer without the knowledge of the employees, typically in exchange for money to the union or its leaders. It was later discovered that the union leader had made a sweetheart agreement with the company that eliminated employees' right to strike in exchange for a hefty yearly bonus for himself. The automotive manufacturer decided to move its factories to a different country, where it established a sweetheart agreement with the local labor union to pay workers substantially less than those previously enjoyed by American employees.

2. Any kind of agreement or contract that is mutually beneficial two the two parties directly involved, typically at the expense of a third party that is not privy to the agreement. It turns out the athletic director had in place a sweetheart agreement with the national athletics association, essentially receiving kickbacks every time one of his athletes performed well. The charity has come under fire for what some are calling a sweetheart agreement with a for-profit events organizer that receives nearly 40% of the annual donations the charity receives.

1. An industrial agreement made between an employer and local labor union officials containing terms beneficial to the employer without the knowledge of the employees, typically in exchange for money to the union or its leaders. It was later discovered that the union leader had made a sweetheart contract with the company that eliminated employees' right to strike in exchange for a hefty yearly bonus for himself. The automotive manufacturer decided to move its factories to a different country, where it established a sweetheart contract with the local labor union to pay workers substantially less than those previously enjoyed by American employees.

2. Any kind of agreement or contract that is mutually beneficial two the two parties directly involved, typically at the expense of a third party that is not privy to the agreement. It turns out the athletic director had in place a sweetheart contract with the national athletics association, essentially receiving kickbacks every time one of his athletes performed well. The charity has come under fire for what some are calling a sweetheart contract with a for-profit events organizer that receives nearly 40% of the annual donations the charity receives.

1. An industrial agreement made between an employer and local labor union officials containing terms beneficial to the employer without the knowledge of the employees, typically in exchange for money to the union or its leaders. It was later discovered that the union leader had made a sweetheart deal with the company that eliminated employees' right to strike in exchange for a hefty yearly bonus for himself. The automotive manufacturer decided to move its factories to a different country, where it established a sweetheart deal with the local labor union to pay workers substantially less than those previously enjoyed by American employees.

2. Any kind of agreement or contract that is mutually beneficial two the two parties directly involved, typically at the expense of a third party that is not privy to the agreement. It turns out the athletic director had in place a sweetheart deal with the national athletics association, essentially receiving kickbacks every time one of his athletes performed well. The charity has come under fire for what some are calling a sweetheart deal with a for-profit events organizer that receives nearly 40% of the annual donations the charity receives.