heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)
: anguish of mind : sorrow

Examples of heartache in a Sentence

I've had more than my share of heartaches in my life. the heartache she felt when she saw the innocent victims of the war
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.
Grossman, 62, channeled her emotions into textile and thread, creating a coverlet to express her heartache, agony and anger. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025 Residents, friends and classmates attended the vigil, expressing their disbelief and heartache over London’s death. Keith Daniels, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2025 His heartache over Samia and resentment toward the CIA has coalesced within him. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2025 But coming in at a brisk 89-minute runtime, the feature is awkwardly compressed in its portrait of heartache and easily overwhelmed by the political portent of its subject. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heartache

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heartache was in 1578

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heartache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartache. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

heartache

noun
heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk How to pronounce heartache (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on heartache

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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