heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)
Synonyms of heartachenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If that sounds tidily prescriptive, Cooper gives the reality of heartache its due. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025 In lesser series, the rapid pace could be a fault, but seeing the seasons fly carries its own kind of heartache. Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025 The Union High School Bears, undefeated and hungry for a state championship, have become powerful representations of resilience in the face of heartache and chaos. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025 In contrast, a chatbot’s devotion can be dialed back or rebooted with a slider, eliminating heartache and any authentic uncertainty. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartache. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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!