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

Barrett’s esophagus is often associated with symptoms like persistent heartburn and regurgitation. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2025

Magnesium chloride is another good choice for correcting deficiencies, and also alleviates heartburn and constipation. —Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025

New & Noteworthy Help relieve occasional heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion and stress with Pepcid Soothing Gummies, Heartburn Relief + Stress Relief dietary supplements. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025

That’s why nighttime heartburn is so common in general. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 May 2025

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