heartburn

noun

heart·​burn ˈhärt-ˌbərn 

plural heartburns

: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus

In any given month, about one-quarter of Americans suffer from heartburn, which is caused by reflux, or backward flow, of stomach acid into the esophagus.

—Clyde M. Burnham

Heartburn—painful reflux of stomach acid—can occur in a person with a perfectly intact esophagus.

—Paul G. Donohue

see acid reflux

Examples of heartburn in a Sentence

I like spicy food, but it gives me heartburn.

Recent Examples on the Web

For all the heartburn over recess appointments to confirm President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, the Senate is breezing through even the most controversial nominees thanks to limited Republican opposition. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Feb. 2025

Pepto-Bismol and Tums are two popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications taken to manage heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. —Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

For example, ginger, which is well-studied, can cause side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth or throat irritation, especially when taken in large doses. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Feb. 2025

Women typically experience pain in the arms, shoulders, neck or back, rapid heartbeat, headache and heartburn are most common. —Ilsa Bruins, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heartburn

noun

heart·​burn -ˌbərn 

: a burning discomfort seeming to occur in the area of the heart and usually due to spasms which pass acid from the stomach into the esophagus

Medical Definition

heartburn

noun

heart·​burn -ˌbərn 

: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus

called also cardialgia, pyrosis

see acid reflux compare water brash