How to pronounce headache
Say it like HED-ayk. Headache has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HED).
- HED
- ayk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Headache pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- aykGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of headache
American and British speakers say headache in essentially the same way: /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/ in the US and /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: HED-ayk.
What does headache mean?
- A pain or ache in the head.“I have a splitting headache after that party last night.”
- A nuisance or unpleasant problem.“The clumsy filing system has been a huge headache.”
Where does headache come from?
From Middle English hevedeche, from Old English hēafodeċe.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying headache
How do you pronounce headache?
Say HED-ayk. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/. In British English it is /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in headache?
Headache has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HED). Broken into parts: HED · ayk.
Do Americans and Brits say headache the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/ and the British form is /ˈhɛˌdeɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.