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bellyache

/ˌbɛliˈeɪk/
IPA guide

Other forms: bellyaching; bellyaches; bellyached

A pain in your stomach is a bellyache. Don't eat too much cotton candy at the fair, or you'll definitely get a bellyache!

You might also refer to a bellyache as a tummy ache or an upset stomach. Whatever you call it, it's no fun, and it might even cause you to lie in bed and moan a little. As a verb, bellyache means "complain" or "whine." If your brother insists on taking part in a hotdog eating contest, you might be stuck listening to him bellyache about his bellyache later.

Definitions of bellyache
  1. noun
    an ache localized in the stomach or abdominal region
    see moresee less
    type of:
    ache, aching
    a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  2. verb
    complain
    synonyms: beef, bitch, crab, gripe, grouse, holler, squawk
    see moresee less
    type of:
    complain, kick, kvetch, plain, quetch, sound off
    express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘bellyache'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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