head and shoulders

adverb

: beyond comparison : by far
head and shoulders above the competition

Examples of head and shoulders in a Sentence

a performance that was head and shoulders above all the others in the talent competition
Recent Examples on the Web This year, the candidates for the two major parties in the U.S. have been fairly clear from the get-go, as President Joe Biden will be seeking reelection and former President Donald Trump has been head and shoulders above all competitors for the top spot on the GOP ticket. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 Red Bull again appears to be head and shoulders above its competition for the upcoming season after several scintillating test sessions in Bahrain, with the independent investigation evidently not hampering the team’s preparations. Sammy Mncwabe, CNN, 28 Feb. 2024 The open necklines have a similar effect, creating a wide zone of clear, uninterrupted space around her head and shoulders, allowing an unimpeded view. Rhonda Garelick, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 For example, a sarong is a wardrobe staple that can double as a casual skirt, beach towel, or protection from the sun when draped around the head and shoulders. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Firefighter paramedic Kyle Belton wrapped a blanket over his head and shoulders and propped him up against a building for support. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 One of the most popular traditional costumes was the bauta, which consisted of a full mask, a cape that covered the head and shoulders, and a tricorn or cocked hat. Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Assume the sit-up position as described, but slowly raise only the head and shoulders off the floor, hold, then lower. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 May 2023 Key West Honest Eco Sustainable Nature Tours: Key West is full of cruise charters, but this progressive tour company is head and shoulders above the rest for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education. Tracey Minkin, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'head and shoulders.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head and shoulders was in 1642

Dictionary Entries Near head and shoulders

Cite this Entry

“Head and shoulders.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20and%20shoulders. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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