headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

1

: unplowed land at the ends of furrows or near a fence

2

: a point of usually high land jutting out into a body of water : promontory

Synonyms of headland

• peninsula
• promontory

Examples of headland in a Sentence

the lighthouse, situated on a narrow, rocky headland, commands an expansive view of the coast

navigation is notoriously difficult at the southernmost tip of South America, where ships must round the headland of Cape Horn

Recent Examples on the Web

Occupying a particularly picturesque and secluded stretch of headland, where Aleppo pines drape rocky coves and the cerulean Mediterranean waves lick the similarly shaded horizon, the resort is the hospitality group’s first foray into the Balearics. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Head toward the waterfront, then follow the path around the headland for a view back at the village. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2026

One of the biggest changes was to replace the long, rock groins originally proposed with short, landscaped headlands. — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Once the eclipse ends, this rugged headland becomes an excellent place to watch the Perseids, with broad ocean views and little interference from nearby towns. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

: a point of land sticking out into the sea : promontory