heartburn
noun
heart·burn
ˈhärt-ˌbərn 
plural heartburns
: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus
In any given month, about one-quarter of Americans suffer from heartburn, which is caused by reflux, or backward flow, of stomach acid into the esophagus.—
Clyde M. Burnham
Clyde M. BurnhamHeartburn—painful reflux of stomach acid—can occur in a person with a perfectly intact esophagus.—Paul G. Donohue
see acid reflux
Paul G. DonohueExamples of heartburn in a Sentence
I like spicy food, but it gives me heartburn.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some people may experience acid reflux or heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing up from the digestive tract, according to Young.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025
An increase in stomach acid can cause mild discomfort in the stomach and throat area due to acid reflux and heartburn, both of which will disrupt your sleep and cause restlessness, experts say.
—Khloe Quill, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Although antacids commonly contain other forms of magnesium, magnesium glycinate, given its safety and tolerability, has the potential to help with heartburn.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
To summarize, oxide is: Less absorbable than other types,
Can cause a laxative effect,
Can be used for relief for heartburn, migraines and muscle cramps.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartburn
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Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025
An increase in stomach acid can cause mild discomfort in the stomach and throat area due to acid reflux and heartburn, both of which will disrupt your sleep and cause restlessness, experts say.
—Khloe Quill, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
Although antacids commonly contain other forms of magnesium, magnesium glycinate, given its safety and tolerability, has the potential to help with heartburn.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025
To summarize, oxide is: Less absorbable than other types,
Can cause a laxative effect,
Can be used for relief for heartburn, migraines and muscle cramps.
—Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heartburn
Cite this Entry
“Heartburn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heartburn. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heartburn
noun
heart·burn
-ˌbərn
: a burning discomfort seeming to occur in the area of the heart and usually due to spasms which pass acid from the stomach into the esophagus
Medical Definition
heartburn
noun
heart·burn
-ˌbərn
: a burning discomfort behind the lower part of the sternum due especially to the backward flow of the acidic contents of the stomach into the esophagus
called also cardialgia, pyrosis
see acid reflux compare water brashLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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