How to Pronounce Headache

To pronounce "headache", say HEAD-ach-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhɛdeɪk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

headache

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈhɛdeɪk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “headache”

"headache" has 3 syllables: head-ach-e. It rhymes with break and opaque, if that helps it stick.

What does headache mean?

noun

A pain or ache in the head.
A nuisance or unpleasant problem.
“The clumsy filing system has been a huge headache.”

Synonyms

bother pain in the neck cephalalgia

Hear “headache” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with headache

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

break opaque forsake ache slake heartache take make undertake shake fake keepsake

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "headache"?▾

"Headache" has 3 syllables: head · ach · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "headache"?▾

The IPA transcription of "headache" is /ˈhɛdeɪk/.

What does "headache" mean?▾

Headache: A pain or ache in the head.

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