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.
The family’s heartache must be immense. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 18 Dec. 2025 Season one was a lot of breakup heartache and trying to find yourself and right a listing ship. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Dec. 2025 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 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 26 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
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