headache
A headache is a continuous pain in the head. It is a common medical condition that can range from a mild discomfort to a severe, throbbing sensation.
Examples
3 of 5I have a slight headache because I didn't sleep well last night.
I have a slight headache because I didn't sleep well last night.
The patient complained of a persistent headache and sensitivity to light.
The patient complained of a persistent headache and sensitivity to light.
This loud music is giving me a massive headache!
This loud music is giving me a massive headache!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Head' + 'Ache'. 'Ache' sounds like 'Cake'. Imagine a giant, heavy cake falling on your head—that would give you a headache!
Quick Quiz
I drank too much coffee and now I have a ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: headache
Examples
I have a slight headache because I didn't sleep well last night.
everydayI have a slight headache because I didn't sleep well last night.
The patient complained of a persistent headache and sensitivity to light.
formalThe patient complained of a persistent headache and sensitivity to light.
This loud music is giving me a massive headache!
informalThis loud music is giving me a massive headache!
Clinical research indicates that chronic headaches can be linked to high stress levels.
academicClinical research indicates that chronic headaches can be linked to high stress levels.
The new tax regulations are proving to be a major headache for the accounting department.
businessThe new tax regulations are proving to be a major headache for the accounting department.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a real headache
a very annoying or difficult problem
give someone a headache
to cause someone worry or annoyance
banging headache
a very painful, rhythmic headache
Often Confused With
A migraine is a specific, much more intense type of headache often accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity.
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used for physical pain, but it is very common in idiomatic English to describe a situation or person that causes trouble.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget the indefinite article 'a'. You should say 'I have a headache,' not 'I have headache.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'Head' + 'Ache'. 'Ache' sounds like 'Cake'. Imagine a giant, heavy cake falling on your head—that would give you a headache!
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'heafodece', which is a compound of 'heafod' (head) and 'ece' (ache/pain).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, 'having a headache' is a common socially accepted excuse for wanting to leave a party early or avoid a task.
Quick Quiz
I drank too much coffee and now I have a ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: headache
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Health words
head
A1The upper part of the human body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is supported by the neck and is the center for the senses and thinking.
ear
A1The ear is the organ on the side of the head that humans and animals use to hear sounds. It also helps the body maintain its sense of balance.
mouth
A1The opening in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and sounds and speech are emitted. It contains the teeth and the tongue and is the beginning of the digestive tract.
tooth
A1A tooth is one of the hard, white objects in your mouth used for biting and chewing food. Humans have two sets of teeth during their lives: primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth.
shoulder
A1The shoulder is the part of the human body where the arm connects to the trunk. It consists of a large joint that allows the arm to rotate and move in many directions.
finger
A1One of the five long, thin parts at the end of the human hand. Fingers are used for feeling, touching, and gripping objects.
stomach
A1The organ in your body where food goes after you eat it to be broken down. It is also the front part of your body below the chest and above the legs.
leg
A1A leg is one of the long parts of the body that humans and animals use for standing, walking, and running. It refers to the entire limb starting from the hip down to the ankle.
foot
A1The foot is the part of the body at the bottom of the leg that a person stands on. It is used for balance, walking, running, and jumping.
toe
A1A toe is one of the five separate parts at the end of the human foot. They help provide balance and support the weight of the body while standing or walking.
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