heartbreak
Americannoun
-
heartbreaks
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
But after the heartbreak she’s experienced, Sally’s had enough.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
I think people resonate with your vulnerabilities and your successes - saw me cope with the heartbreak of Rio, the Chantelle Cameron loss and personal difficulties.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026
Here, Bree experiences heartbreak, isolation, bewilderment, unconditional affection, joy, anger, frustration, regret and contentment.
From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026
We’re there to give you a heartbreak that will heal the heart that is broken.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
Until that moment I didn't know heartbreak was a real and physical breaking.
From "Amal Unbound" by Aisha Saeed
“As Americans, we deserve national parks that tell stories of our country’s triumphs and heartbreaks alike. We can handle the truth.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 13, 2026
Yet even Honor is cowed by the household’s steely Yugoslav maid, Greta, who dismisses all heartbreaks and hysterics with the motto, “play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
Some described his voice as "the sound of our heartbreaks and celebrations", while others called it "a presence in every corner of our lives".
From BBC ● Jan. 28, 2026
The show often reflected for audiences formative parts of their lives too – first loves, first heartbreaks, births, deaths and marriages.
From BBC ● Dec. 10, 2025
She was there for your first crushes and heartbreaks, your party dresses and spins at sophisticated states like anomie.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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.
