headlong

1 of 2

adverb

head·​long ˈhed-ˈlȯŋ 

1

: headfirst sense 1

dove headlong to the ground

2

: without deliberation : recklessly

rushes headlong into danger

3

: without pause or delay

ran headlong to the door

headlong

2 of 2

adjective

head·​long ˈhed-ˌlȯŋ 

1

archaic : steep, precipitous

2

: lacking in calmness or restraint : precipitate

a headlong torrent of emotion

3

: plunging headfirst

a headlong fall from the cliff

Did you know?

Headlong was born out of the Middle English word hedling, a combination of hed ("head") and -ling, an adverb suffix meaning "in such a direction or manner." Thus, hedling meant "with the head first”; it was originally applied to descriptions of falling, or to downward movement. Likely due to the influence of the words along and long, -ling came to be understood as a variant of the adverb suffix -long, a development that carried headlong, as well as sidelong, along with it.

Synonyms of headlong

Adverb

• hastily
• hurriedly
• impulsively
• precipitately

Adjective

• hurried
• rushed
• impulsive
• reckless
• precipitous
• sudden
• hasty
• rash
• overhasty

Choose the Right Synonym for headlong

precipitate, headlong, abrupt, impetuous, sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness.

precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action.

the army's precipitate withdrawal

headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.

a headlong flight from arrest

abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony.

an abrupt refusal

impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness.

an impetuous lover proposing marriage

sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action.

flew into a sudden rage

Examples of headlong in a Sentence

Adverb

I dove headlong to the floor.

plunged headlong into the crowd in pursuit of the purse snatcher

Adjective

terrified forest creatures in a headlong retreat from the rapidly spreading fire

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The lines on his face – deep crags channeled by a life riding headlong into the wind – are the only thing that gives away Ouzts’ age. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

The show was so sure-footed in its initial outing, but has ultimately tumbled headlong into a grease trap of its own making, aiming for pungent but landing on precious. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Adjective

Few sectors have been transformed by that headlong rush more than global memory. — Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026

Few sectors have been transformed by that headlong rush more than global memory. — Debby Wu, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English hedlong, alteration of hedling, from hed head

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for headlong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• prolong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

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Kids Definition

headlong

1 of 2 adverb

head·​long ˈhed-ˈlȯŋ 

1

: headfirst

2

: without careful thought : recklessly

headlong

2 of 2 adjective

1

: lacking in calmness or restraint : rash

headlong flight

2

: plunging headfirst

a headlong dive