deadhead

1 of 2

noun

dead·​head ˈded-ˌhed 

1

: one who has not paid for a ticket

2

: a dull or stupid person

3

: a partially submerged log

4

Deadhead : a devoted fan of the rock group the Grateful Dead

The bond between the [Grateful] Dead and the Deadheads was extraordinary.

—Bill Barich

5

gardening : a faded blossom on a flowering plant

Pansies are still available for late spring bloom. Keep deadheads off.

—Edith Henderson

deadhead

2 of 2

verb

deadheaded; deadheading; deadheads

intransitive verb

1

: to make especially a return trip without a load

2

: to deadhead a plant

transitive verb

: to remove the faded flowers of (a plant) especially to keep a neat appearance and to promote reblooming by preventing seed production

Synonyms

Noun

• idiot
• moron
• stupid

Examples of deadhead in a Sentence

Noun

people knew that he was a deadhead and voted for him anyway

Verb

She's out in the garden deadheading the rosebushes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Taking the time to deadhead petunias will keep your plants blooming all summer long. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 June 2025

With their sticky foliage and stems, petunias have never been an enjoyable plant to deadhead. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025

Verb

To get more benefits out of summer pruning, follow these quick and easy tips: Remember to deadhead. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2025

Learn how to deadhead zinnias to keep your plants blooming continuously, summer through fall. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1911, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for deadhead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead