aches; ached; aching
1
: to produce a dull continuous pain : to hurt in a way that is constant but not severe
Her muscles were aching from shoveling snow.
After running the marathon, his body ached for a week.
The candy's so sweet that it makes my teeth ache.
—often used figurativelyHis heart ached [=he felt sad and sorry] for the children begging on the streets.
2
: to want or desire something or someone very much
—often + for
After years of war, most people are aching [=longing, yearning] for peace.
Her heart ached for him.
—often followed by to + verbI've been aching to see you.
plural aches
: a pain that is not sharp but continues for a long time
He had a dull ache in his back from lifting boxes all day.
muscle aches
—often used in combination with parts of the bodya headache
a stomachache
toothaches
—often used figurativelyShe looked through the old pictures with a dull ache in her heart.
Note: Aches and pains are many small pains that happen at the same time and make people feel uncomfortable.
Cite this Entry
“Ache.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ache. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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