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

And prior to 2023, in eight out of the previous ten years in which there were switches, virtually all of them belonged to therapeutic areas such as acne, heartburn, pain and allergies that already had OTC alternatives. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

Republicans have tried to give Trump space to operate, but the tariffs have been a constant source of heartburn for some members, especially as the 145 percent tariff on imports from China remains intact. —Al Weaver, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025

Common side effects include stomach pain, heartburn and bloating. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025

Apple cider vinegar may support blood sugar control, curb nighttime cravings, and reduce heartburn, all of which could improve sleep. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 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