earache
1 synonym for earache, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A pain felt inside or around the ear.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
otalgia
How to use earache
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
have an earache
give someone an earache
bad earache
The physical-pain sense is neutral and medical, while the nagging sense is informal.
Etymology
Earache is a straightforward compound formed from ear and ache, joining the body part directly to the word for pain.
Full origin of earache →Frequently asked questions
What causes an earache?
An earache is pain felt in or around the ear, commonly linked to causes such as ear infections.
Is earache the same as an ear infection?
Not exactly. Earache describes the pain itself, while an ear infection is one possible cause of that pain.
What does it mean to give someone an earache informally?
Informally, giving someone an earache means annoying them with persistent noise, nagging or complaining, rather than causing them physical ear pain.
