noun
Uncommon
migraine
MYG-rayn
Migraine (noun) means a severe headache, often on one side of the head, that can come with nausea and sensitivity to light. Example: “She had to lie down in a dark room because of her migraine.”
noun
1
A severe headache, often on one side of the head, that can come with nausea and sensitivity to light.
"A team of international researchers has recently identified the first—ever genetic link to common migraine (common migraine refers to migraine without aura, and it is the most common type of migraine that occurs)."
— Susan Hutchinson, The Woman's Guide to Managing Migraine (2013)
"He had a headache so bad that he wished he was dead, but it was the sort of migraine that promised him he would continue to suffer but not die."
"After consuming too much coffee every day for six weeks, she got severe migraines that would last up until 47 minutes after her first cup of coffee."
"She had to lie down in a dark room because of her migraine."
"Bright lights can trigger a migraine for some people."
How to use migraine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA much more intense, disabling headache than an ordinary one, often with visual disturbances or nausea.
Common mistake
Not just a "bad headache" — a migraine is a distinct neurological condition with its own symptoms and triggers.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
migraine attack
chronic migraines
migraine trigger
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Word forms
- Plural
- migraines
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had to lie down in a dark room because of her _____.
Etymology
From French migraine, ultimately from Greek hēmikrania — "hēmi-" ("half") + "kranion" ("skull") — describing pain in one half of the head.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for migraine
See all rhymes for migraine →Frequently asked questions
What does “migraine” mean?
The word “migraine” means a severe headache, often on one side of the head, that can come with nausea and sensitivity to light. In plain terms, a much more intense, disabling headache than an ordinary one, often with visual disturbances or nausea.
How do you pronounce “migraine”?
“Migraine” is pronounced MYG-rayn (/ˈmaɪɡɹeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “migraine” in a sentence?
Here is “migraine” used in a sentence: “She had to lie down in a dark room because of her migraine.”
What part of speech is “migraine”?
“Migraine” is a noun.
Where does the word “migraine” come from?
The word “migraine” comes from French. From French migraine, ultimately from Greek hēmikrania — "hēmi-" ("half") + "kranion" ("skull") — describing pain in one half of the head.
Is “migraine” a common word?
“Migraine” is an uncommon word in modern English.
