heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)
: 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.
In the 1960s, bachata lyrics centered on heartache and were often directed at a romantic partner. Wilfredo José Burgos Matos, The Conversation, 25 July 2025 Billy Joel has had a decades-long career as a world-famous rock star, and a personal life filled with both joys and heartache. Rachel Desantis, People.com, 23 July 2025 The pair trade lines as lovers recently separated by distance and heartache, longing for each other despite their issues. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025 Hey, who hasn’t worn black to get over heartache on a Eurotrip? Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 16 July 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 20 Aug. 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!