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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.
"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 notes

In 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

Word forms

migraines plural

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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.

Origin: French

megrim hemicrania sick headache

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial