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
Clyde M. BurnhamHeartburn—painful reflux of stomach acid—can occur in a person with a perfectly intact esophagus.—Paul G. Donohue
see acid reflux
Paul G. DonohueExamples of heartburn in a Sentence
I like spicy food, but it gives me heartburn.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alcohol also weakens the valve that keeps stomach acid in place, leading to reflux and heartburn.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
In particular, people who take common heartburn meds called proton pump inhibitors (that reduce stomach acid production) may be at higher risk, as are older adults, who just tend to have less stomach acid.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 21 July 2025
Taking more than this amount may increase your risk of side effects, such as diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort.1
Is there a downside to taking omega-3?
Omega-3 dietary supplements are usually well tolerated, and side effects are mild.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 28 May 2025
Differing opinions among the Legislature’s progressive members illustrate the heartburn Democratic lawmakers and voters have over the idea.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartburn
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Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
In particular, people who take common heartburn meds called proton pump inhibitors (that reduce stomach acid production) may be at higher risk, as are older adults, who just tend to have less stomach acid.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 21 July 2025
Taking more than this amount may increase your risk of side effects, such as diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach discomfort.1
Is there a downside to taking omega-3?
Omega-3 dietary supplements are usually well tolerated, and side effects are mild.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 28 May 2025
Differing opinions among the Legislature’s progressive members illustrate the heartburn Democratic lawmakers and voters have over the idea.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartburn
Cite this Entry
“Heartburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartburn. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 brashLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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