Headache
ˈhɛdˌeɪk
Definitions
2 meaningsA continuous pain in the head.
ˈhɛdˌeɪk
Pain in the head
I have a terrible headache.
💡 Simply: Imagine your head is being squeezed or throbbed. A headache is when your head hurts! Like when you stare at a screen too long, or haven't had enough water, your head might start to ache. It's a common thing!
👶 For kids: When your head hurts!
More Examples
Stress can cause headaches.
The loud music gave me a headache.
How It's Used
"She took some aspirin for her headache."
"My headache is really bad today."
Something that causes difficulty or annoyance; a problem.
ˈhɛdˌeɪk
A difficult or annoying problem
The traffic was a major headache.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, things in life are tricky and cause stress! Like a long, boring task or a confusing situation. We can say those things are a headache because they're hard to deal with.
👶 For kids: Something that is a big problem and makes you feel bad.
More Examples
Organizing the event was a headache.
The new software caused a lot of headaches for the team.
How It's Used
"That project is a real headache."
"Dealing with customer complaints is often a headache for businesses."
Idioms & expressions
give someone a headache
To cause someone trouble or annoyance.
"The constant noise from the construction is giving me a headache."
From Middle English hed ake, equivalent to head + ache.
The term 'headache' has been used in English for centuries, with early forms dating back to Old English. The literal meaning of a pain in the head has been consistent throughout its history.
Memory tip
Think of a head + ache = a headache.