toothache

noun

tooth·​ache ˈtüth-ˌāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
Synonyms of toothachenext
: pain in or about a tooth

Examples of toothache in a Sentence

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.
Eight-year-old Jonah woke up one May morning with a swollen face and a toothache. — Farrell Brenner, CBS News, 9 Mar. 2026 This is not 1800 or 1700 where a toothache can kill someone. — ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026 Unlike a toothache, chronic inflammation in the gums often progresses without pain. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026 Nelson said the friend said Damas had been complaining of a toothache and received ibuprofen from a nurse at the detention facility. — Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for toothache

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toothache was in the 14th century

Rhymes for toothache

See All Rhymes for toothache

Browse Nearby Words

tooth
toothache
toothache bark
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toothache.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toothache. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toothache

noun
tooth·​ache ˈtü-ˌthāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
: pain in or near a tooth

Medical Definition

toothache

noun
tooth·​ache ˈtüth-ˌāk How to pronounce toothache (audio)
: pain in or about a tooth

called also odontalgia

More from Merriam-Webster on toothache

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for toothache

Nglish: Translation of toothache for Spanish Speakers

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