headache

noun

head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk How to pronounce headache (audio)
1
: pain in the head
2
: a vexatious or baffling situation or problem
meetings had become a giant headacheFranklin Foer
headachy adjective
or less commonly headachey

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
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.
Some headaches are related to muscle tension and can be triggered by stress.9 Hot showers or baths promote relaxation. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025 These can seem like a real headache for a sole trader who does not have an HR department to take care of all this for them. Peter Boolkah, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Homecourt by Courteney Cox: If your toxic-smelling cleaning products are giving you a headache, swap to this fragrant brand created by the Friends star. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 July 2025 Dwindling coal exports could be a political headache for Putin, especially amid other bad news for the wartime economy, such as a downturn in manufacturing and warnings by Russian officials about inflation and high interest rates. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for headache

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of headache was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Headache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headache. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

headache

noun
head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk How to pronounce headache (audio)
1
: pain in the head
2
: an annoying or baffling situation or problem
headachy adjective

Medical Definition

headache

noun
head·​ache ˈhed-ˌāk How to pronounce headache (audio)
: pain in the head

called also cephalalgia

headachy adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on headache

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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