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.
Being Jewish on campus amid Trump’s campaign against antisemitism: ‘Tremendous heartache’ As the academic year draws to a close, The Times interviewed 12 Jewish students and professors at UCLA and USC who reflected on their campus experiences since Hamas’ attack on Israel. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025 Finding humanity in the inevitable heartache of the genre is why Ledgin, Kligman and Gemmill all agree the hunger for medical shows will never be DOA. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 21 May 2025 The next generation will benefit from our heartache and overwhelming darkness. Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 20 May 2025 Nobody has the market cornered on grief and heartache. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 18 May 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 18 Jun. 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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