# colic

/kˈɒlɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/colic
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

strong stomach pain that comes and goes in waves. You hear it most about babies who cry for a long time because their belly hurts.

For teachers: severe, cramping pain in the abdomen caused by muscle spasms in the intestines or other hollow organs. Most often used for prolonged, unexplained crying in young infants attributed to digestive discomfort.

## Examples

- The baby has colic and cries every evening.
- The new parents take turns holding their son, who has colic and screams for hours after each feeding.
- Although infant colic usually resolves on its own within a few months, the relentless evening crying can exhaust even the most patient caregivers.

## Synonyms

stomachache

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.