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.
But, like the first film, all the trials and heartache seem to work without preaching to the choir just like a country song — or in this case a Christian song. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 Everyone has had heartache and wanted to get someone back. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 From the spooky, to the surreal, through heartache and hope. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026 An unexpected tragedy over the weekend has left one Colorado father filled with heartache and regret. Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 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 27 Feb. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster