toothache

noun

tooth·​ache ˈtüth-ˌāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
: pain in or about a tooth

Examples of toothache in a Sentence

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.
When incurred from other causes, the same disease is sometimes called a toothache in the rear end. Robeson Bailey, Outdoor Life, 11 June 2025 Moreno was referred to Dreamtime Dentistry after complaining about a toothache four months prior, according to the autopsy reviewed by The Times. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025 Once the decay gets larger, there may be symptoms like toothaches, sharp pains when eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025 Pliny reported the use of a mole’s tooth as an aid for human toothache. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for toothache

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothache was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toothache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothache. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

toothache

noun
tooth·​ache ˈtü-ˌthāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
: pain in or near a tooth

Medical Definition

toothache

noun
tooth·​ache ˈtüth-ˌāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
: pain in or about a tooth

called also odontalgia

More from Merriam-Webster on toothache

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!