dry heaves

[ drahy heevz ]

plural noun

1. Often the dry heaves. a condition in which one feels the need to vomit and repeatedly attempts to do so, but without bringing anything up: Compare heave ( def 18 ).

   He was nauseous before breakfast, had a round of dry heaves, and decided not to eat till he felt better.

   I get the dry heaves when I smell buttered popcorn.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry heaves¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Kneeling, she tried to feed him, but the smell of food triggered dry heaves.

From The Daily Beast