headache

Etymology

From Middle English hevedeche, from Old English hēafodeċe, equivalent to head + ache.

noun

  1. A pain or ache in the head.
    I have a splitting headache after that party last night.
    I advise you to take some painkillers for the headache, it's probably nothing serious.
    Sometimes on television they tell you a product is "good for headaches." I don't want something that's good for headaches. I want something that's bad for headaches. And good for me. 1997, George Carlin, “SPORTS ROUNDUP”, in Brain Droppings, New York: Hyperion Books, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 68
  2. (figurative) A nuisance or unpleasant problem.
    The clumsy filing system has been a huge headache.

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