splitting headache

[ split-ing hed-eyk ]

noun

1. a severe pain felt in the head; an extremely bad headache:

   A few days into the low-carb diet I started to get a splitting headache.

   Unless you want a splitting headache, do not listen to the first track on the album.

Word History and Origins

Origin of splitting headache¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Mrs. Middleton came down to see about his breakfast with a splitting headache.

From Project Gutenberg

In these degenerate times it will take more than one splitting headache to produce our wisdom.

From Project Gutenberg

I had a splitting headache, and only a good walk in the open air ever does it any good.

From Project Gutenberg

To add to my wretchedness a splitting headache was coming on, and I was only too glad to close my eyes and try to sleep.

From Project Gutenberg

She was so sorry she had missed him; especially as she had had to go to bed with a feverish cold and a splitting headache.

From Project Gutenberg