heads-up

1 of 3

noun

ˈhedz-ˈəp 

: a message that alerts or prepares : warning

gave him a heads-up that an investigation was pending

heads-up

2 of 3

adjective

: showing or requiring keen awareness and swift action

a heads-up player

Alex Rodriguez's heads-up play helped give Seattle the upper hand in a 3-2 victory Saturday against Baltimore.

—Chuck Johnson

heads up

3 of 3

interjection

—used as a warning to look out for danger especially overhead or to clear a passageway

Synonyms of heads-up

Noun

• warning

Examples of heads-up in a Sentence

Noun

thanks for the heads-up about the upcoming visit from the corporate big shots

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If your weekend reservation radar hasn’t picked up Zamindar’s Clubhouse yet, consider this your heads-up. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

While Jost hasn’t seen Shot in Minnesota yet, Che gave Jost a heads-up that he and his wife are mentioned prominently in the special. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

Adjective

That may come in the form of a big special-teams play, a heads-up stop by a defender or even questionable calls by the referees. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2026

So here’s your heads-up to remember to bring your key card with you everywhere. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1977, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1913, in the meaning defined above

Interjection

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heads-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup