headfirst

adverb

head·​first ˈhed-ˈfərst How to pronounce headfirst (audio)
1
: with the head foremost
dove headfirst into the waves
2
headfirst adjective

Examples of headfirst in a Sentence

She dove into the water headfirst. She rushed into the relationship headfirst.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Díaz savored this one, flashing a big grin after the throw sent him across the grass, headfirst. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 By the end of Episode 5, Chloe, Chelsea, and the Ratliff brothers dive headfirst into the revelry—setting the stage for one of the season’s most unexpected and cringeworthy turns. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 Serena Williams is diving headfirst into swimwear season, and she’s got the outfit to prove it. Averi Baudler, People.com, 17 June 2025 When a series of murders begins in the area, her sister also turns up missing, throwing her headfirst into unraveling the crime spree. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for headfirst

Word History

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headfirst was in 1790

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headfirst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headfirst. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

headfirst

adverb
head·​first ˈhed-ˈfərst How to pronounce headfirst (audio)
: with the head foremost
headfirst adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on headfirst

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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