backache

American  

[bak-eyk] / ˈbækˌeɪk /

noun

backaches plural

1. a pain, especially in the lumbar region of the back, usually caused by the strain of a muscle or ligament.

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backache British  

/ ˈbækˌeɪk /

noun

1. an ache or pain in one's back

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• backaches
  plural

Etymology

Origin of backache

First recorded in 1595–1605; back ¹ + ache

Example Sentences

"I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn't go," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2025

The Food and Drug Administration has approved capsaicin for the topical treatment of pain from arthritis, backache, strains and sprains.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024

The symptoms of premature labor can include contractions, unusual vaginal discharge, the feeling of pressure in the pelvic area, low dull backache or cramps in the uterus or abdomen.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2023

In 2021, Sickler checked in for a three-hour outpatient surgery to fix his nagging backache.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2023

These are the used sections—broken bones, cuts, bruises, mumps, measles, backache, scarlet fever, diphtheria, rheumatism, female complaints, hernia, and of course everything to do with pregnancy and the birth of children.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck