stomachache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-High (Common in everyday conversation, especially concerning health.)Neutral. Common in informal and everyday contexts; slightly informal for medical contexts where 'abdominal pain' is preferred.
Quick answer
What does “stomachache” mean?
Pain in the area of the stomach.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Pain in the area of the stomach.
A general feeling of pain or discomfort in the abdominal region, not necessarily pinpointing a specific organ.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English strongly prefers the hyphenated form 'stomach-ache'. American English overwhelmingly uses the closed compound 'stomachache' or the two-word form 'stomach ache'.
Connotations
Similar in both. Suggests a common, often temporary complaint rather than a severe medical condition.
Frequency
More frequent in casual speech than in professional medical documentation.
Grammar
How to Use “stomachache” in a Sentence
have a stomachachesuffer from a stomachachecomplain of a stomachachegive someone a stomachacheVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'He called in sick with a stomachache.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. 'The patient presented with abdominal pain.' is preferred.
Everyday
Very common. 'I can't come out tonight; I've got a bit of a stomachache.'
Technical
Avoided. Use specific terms like 'gastritis', 'colic', or 'abdominal pain'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stomachache”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stomachache”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stomachache”
- Using 'stomach pain' in overly casual contexts where 'stomachache' is more natural.
- Misspelling as 'stomache ache'.
- Using it to describe severe, acute medical conditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies. American English prefers 'stomachache' (one word) or 'stomach ache' (two words). British English strongly prefers the hyphenated 'stomach-ache'.
In formal medical or technical contexts. Use more precise terms like 'abdominal pain', 'cramps', or specific diagnoses (e.g., 'gastritis').
A stomachache is a symptom (pain). Indigestion is a condition that often causes symptoms like stomachache, bloating, and heartburn.
No. The related informal verb is 'bellyache', which means to complain a lot.
Pain in the area of the stomach.
Stomachache is usually neutral. common in informal and everyday contexts; slightly informal for medical contexts where 'abdominal pain' is preferred. in register.
Stomachache: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌməkˌeɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌməkˌeɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “butterflies in one's stomach (nervousness, not pain)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
STOMACH-ACHE: Your STOMACH ACHES.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN IS AN UNWANTED OBJECT/INTRUDER ('I have a stomachache', 'It gave me a stomachache').
Practice
Quiz
Which form is most characteristic of British English writing?