heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)
: anguish of mind : sorrow

Examples of heartache in a Sentence

I've had more than my share of heartaches in my life. the heartache she felt when she saw the innocent victims of the war
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Think of it as the prenup for your home—an uncomfortable conversation today that could save you heartache (and a lot of money) tomorrow. Daryl Fairweather, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 The collapse killed seven people, injured several others and gave his two girls what Michael Wood said was their first glimpse of the Gullah Geechee community’s longtime heartache and resilience. Ray Sanchez, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 But the statistics are unlikely to ease the heartache of those wildlife fans who had come to know and love the bear. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Oct. 2024 This tragic news has left us in shock and heartache. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heartache 

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartache was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near heartache

Cite this Entry

“Heartache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartache. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

heartache

noun
heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on heartache

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!