stomachache

American

[stuhm-uhk-eyk] / ˈstʌm əkˌeɪk /

Or stomach ache

noun

pain in the stomach or abdomen; colic.

stomachache British

/ ˈstʌməkˌeɪk /

noun

Technical name: gastralgia. Also called: stomach upset. upset stomach. pain in the stomach or abdominal region, as from acute indigestion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

stomach-achy

adjective

Etymology

Origin of stomachache

First recorded in 1755–65; stomach + ache

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.

But like a stomachache from too much candy, the pain was short-lived.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025

It sounds like a recipe for a stomachache.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025

She complained of a stomachache, nausea and difficulty breathing.

From Washington Times • Jun. 1, 2023

It was an “Aladdin”-like play called “Billy’s Wonderful Kettle” in Manchester, England, and the 7-year-old McDermott was so excited the night before, he got a stomachache that kept him from going.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2023

“Esperanza, I have a terrible stomachache today. I can’t come.”

From "The Queen of Water" by Laura Resau

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023