pang

American  

[pang] / pæŋ /

noun

1. a sudden feeling of mental or emotional distress or longing.

   a pang of remorse; a pang of desire.

   Synonyms:

   stab, prick, throb, ache, twinge

2. a sudden, brief, sharp pain or physical sensation; spasm.

   hunger pangs.

   Synonyms:

   stab, prick, throb, ache, twinge

---

pang British  

/ pæŋ /

noun

1. a sudden brief sharp feeling, as of loneliness, physical pain, or hunger

---

Etymology

Origin of pang

First recorded in 1495–1505; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

And that’s perfectly OK for them, because they won’t suffer a pang of guilt because of their decision, and they won’t actually feel better about accepting the $150 if they give half of it away.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Last month, as Nepal inaugurated its new prime minister Balendra Shah, along with a parliament stacked with youthful lawmakers, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema felt a pang of disappointment as she watched from afar.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

At first, even he felt a momentary pang of caution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

It’s his first pang of guilt, the first time he understands that his needs are not the only ones that matter.

From Salon • Nov. 16, 2025

It looked like a party invitation, Penelope thought with a pang.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• agony
• anguish
• discomfort
• spasm