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

Depending on the package, that mix can also include anti-nausea drugs, pain medication or heartburn remedies. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

It is shown to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce the risk of heartburn, heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026

That said, keep in mind that spicy foods can cause side effects or aggravate underlying health conditions, like heartburn, so please seek medical guidance before making any dietary changes. — Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 3 Aug. 2026

Alcoholic Beverages Alcohol can also affect the digestive system by loosening the muscle between your stomach and esophagus, leading to frequent heartburn and acid reflux, Manaker says. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartburn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• downturn
• extern
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn
• upturn

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