Heartburn/ˈhɑːrtbɜːrn/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Common Triggers Understand common causes of heartburn, like spicy food, to anticipate the word's use. After the barbecue, Karen complained of heartburn. Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal Recognize 'heartburn' isn't about the heart, but rather discomfort from the stomach. Despite the name, heartburn doesn't mean heart trouble. Pro Tip 3/3Feeling Description Use 'heartburn' to describe a personal sensation, not an observable condition. She described her heartburn as a sharp, persistent pain.