Definition

A pain that occurs in or around a tooth.

Example

After eating too many sweets, I developed a toothache that lasted all night.

Conversation

I've been having this awful toothache all day.

Oh no! Have you seen a dentist about it?

Not yet, but I really need to make an appointment soon.

Definitely! You don't want that toothache to get worse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Toothache → It is formed from "tooth" (from Old English *toþ*, meaning the hard structure in the mouth used for biting and chewing) and "ache" (from Old English *æce*, meaning pain). The word "toothache" refers to the pain associated with a tooth.

Memory Tip

Think of the hard structure in your mouth ('tooth') that causes you pain ('ache') when you have a toothache.

Visually Confused Words