headache

noun

head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk 

1

: pain in the head

2

: a vexatious or baffling situation or problem

meetings had become a giant headache

—Franklin Foer

headachy adjective

or less commonly headachey

ˈhed-ˌā-kē 

Synonyms

• bear
• beast
• chore
• job
• killer
• labor

Examples of headache in a Sentence

I'm starting to get a headache.

The symptoms include fever and headache.

The city's biggest headache is traffic.

Managing your finances can be a real headache.

Recent Examples on the Web

The symptoms of influenza A vary from person to person and depend on subtype, but generally consist of coughing, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

The last minute maneuvering has given some advisors and businesses whiplash—or at least a big headache. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Signs of low magnesium levels include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, decreased appetite, poor sleep, and heart palpitations. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Georgia has also been susceptible to dual-threat quarterbacks, so Leonard’s feet could be a headache. —The Athletic College Football Staff, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing headache

• cluster headache
• ice-cream headache
• pre-headache
• sick headache
• splitting headache
• tension headache

Video

An Abbreviated History of American English Spelling

Soop, wimmen, and headake did not make the cut

Kids Definition

headache

noun

head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk 

1

: pain in the head

2

: an annoying or baffling situation or problem

headachy

-ˌā-kē 

adjective

Medical Definition

headache

noun

head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk 

: pain in the head

called also cephalalgia

headachy

-ˌā-kē 

adjective