ache

6 definitions • 11 examples

a continuous pain that is unpleasant but not very strong:

aches and pains As you get older, you have all sorts of aches and pains.

dull ache I've got a dull (= slight) ache in my lower back.

used in combinations with parts of the body to mean a continuous pain in the stated part:

earache/a headache/toothache/backache

I've had a stomach ache all morning.

to have a continuous pain that is unpleasant but not very strong:

My head/tooth/back aches.

I ache/I'm aching all over.

I've got one or two aching muscles after yesterday's run.

a continuous pain that is unpleasant but not usually strong:

She has a fever, muscle aches, and a cough.

Ache is often used in combination:

earache/headache/toothache

to have a continuous pain that is unpleasant but not usually strong:

[ I ] They did pushups until their arms ached.

[ I ] fig. Her heart ached (= She felt very sorry) for the people who had lost their loved ones in the plane crash.