heartbreak
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of heartbreak
Explanation
Heartbreak is a feeling of overwhelming sadness and grief. As Elvis sang, "Well, since my baby left me, I found a new place to dwell. Well, it's down at the end of Lonely Street, at Heartbreak Hotel." Heartbreak can result from the breakup of a romantic relationship, or even the end of a platonic friendship — the heartbreak of having your best childhood pal move to another country can last a long time. The deep sorrow you feel when a loved one dies is an even more lasting and terrible kind of heartbreak. You can also use this word in an exaggerated way: "The soccer team's heartbreak was evident when they lost that match."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Glasgow Warriors endured more heartbreak as the Bulls recovered from an 18-point deficit to win their United Rugby Championship play-off semi-final at Murrayfield.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
For Millie Williamson and Isla Langridge, those memories are of English heartbreak at the last three major international football tournaments.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
This time, there was no heartbreak of a late goal.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
From the snotty ’80s synth music of “Sing Street” to the acoustic heartbreak of “Begin Again,” Carney loves to hear how a rough idea evolves into a polished track.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
“Hmm? Oh, you mean besides the tea? I often come here. I love the view, the food, the atmosphere—you can just smell the romance and heartbreak in the air, can’t you? Centuries of it.”
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
