SINCE 1828
head
noun
\ ˈhed
\
\
Definition of head
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: the upper or anterior division of the animal body that contains the brain, the chief sense organs, and the mouth
nodded his head in agreement
2a
: the seat of the intellect : mind
two heads are better than one
b
: a person with respect to mental qualities
let wiser heads prevail
c
: natural aptitude or talent
a good head for figures
d
: mental or emotional control : poise
a level head
e
: headache
3
: the obverse (see obverse entry 2 sense 1) of a coin
—usually used in plural call heads or tails
4a
: person, individual
count heads
b
plural head
: one of a number (as of domestic animals)
sold twenty head of cattle
5a
: the end that is upper or higher or opposite the foot
the head of the table head of a sail
b
: the source of a stream or river
the head of the Nile
c
: either end of something (such as a drum) whose two ends need not be distinguished
a
: headmaster
b
: one in charge of a division or department in an office or institution
the head of the English department met with the other department heads
7a
: capitulum sense 2
b
: the foliaged part of a plant especially when consisting of a compact mass of leaves, flowers, or fruit
a head of lettuce a single head of grain
8a
: the leading element of a military column or a procession
b
: headway
often she had to fight for her head as the press of sail buried her bow— C. V. Reilly
9a
: the uppermost extremity or projecting part of an object : top
the head of a bolt
b
: the striking part of a weapon, tool, or implement
the head of an ax
c
: the rounded proximal end of a long bone (such as the humerus)
d
: the end of a muscle nearest the origin
e
: the oval part of a printed musical note
10a
: a body of water kept in reserve at a height
also
: the containing bank, dam, or wall
b
: a mass of water in motion (as in a rip current)
11a
: the difference in elevation between two points in a body of fluid
b
: the resulting pressure of the fluid at the lower point expressible as this height
broadly
: pressure of a fluid
an engine with a full head of steam
12a
: the bow and adjacent parts of a ship
13
: the approximate length of the head of a horse
won by a head
14
: the place of leadership, honor, or command
at the head of her class
15a(1)
: a word or series of words often in larger letters placed at the beginning of a passage or at the top of a page in order to introduce or categorize
(2)
: a separate part or topic
heads of a sermon
b
: a portion of a page or sheet that is above the first line of printing
16
: the foam or scum that rises on a fermenting or effervescing liquid (such as beer)
17a
: the part of a boil, pimple, or abscess at which it is likely to break
b
: culminating point of action : crisis
events came to a head
18a
: a part or attachment of a machine or machine tool containing a device (such as a cutter or drill)
turret head of a lathe
also
: the part of an apparatus that performs the chief function or a particular function
a drill head
b
magnetic recording
: an electromagnet used as a transducer for recording on, reading, or erasing a magnetic medium (such as tape or a disk)
19
grammar
: an immediate constituent of a construction that can have the same grammatical function as the whole (such as man in "an old man," "a very old man," or "the man in the street")
20a
: one who uses a drug
—often used in combination pothead
b
: a devoted enthusiast : aficionado
—often used in combination computerhead
by the head
off one's head
out of one's head
over one's head
: drawing the greater depth of water forward
: crazy, distracted
: delirious
Her parents were out of their heads with worry.
1
: beyond one's comprehension or competence
the most awful intellectual detail, all of it over my head— E. B. White
2
: so as to pass over one's superior standing or authority
went over my head to complain
head
adjectiveDefinition of head (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or intended for the upper or anterior division of the animal body that contains the brain, the chief sense organs, and the mouth : of, relating to, or intended for the head (see head entry 1 sense 1)
head injuries
3
: located at the end that is upper or higher : situated at the head (see head entry 1 sense 5a)
head sails
4
: coming from in front
head sea
head
verb
headed;
heading;
heads
Definition of head (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: behead
2a
: to put the striking part of a weapon, tool, or implement on : fit a head (see head entry 1 sense 9b) to
head an arrow
b
: to form the uppermost extremity or projecting part of : to form the head or top of
tower headed by a spire
3
: to act as leader or director of : to act as head (see head entry 1 sense 6) to
head a revolt
4a
: to get in front of so as to hinder, stop, or turn back
head a herd of cattle
b
: to take a lead over (as in a race) : surpass
c
: to pass (a stream) by going round above the source
5a
: to place something at the beginning or top of (something) in order to introduce or categorize : to put something at the head of (something, as a list)
Each page was headed with the writer's name.
b
: to stand as the first or leading member of
heads the list of heroes
6
: to set the course of
head a ship northward
7
: to hit and propel (something, such as a soccer ball) with the head (see head entry 1 sense 1)
headed the ball into the goal
1
: to form a compact mass of leaves or fruit : to form a head (see head entry 1 sense 7b)
This type of cabbage heads early.
2
: to point or proceed in a certain direction
headed south
3
: to have a source : originate
The river heads in those mountains.
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Synonyms for head
Synonyms: Noun
bean, block [slang], dome, mazard (or mazzard) [chiefly dialect], nob, noddle, noggin, noodle, nut [slang], pate, poll
Synonyms: Adjective
chief, commanding, first, foremost, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, prime, principal, supereminent, supreme, top
Synonyms: Verb
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Examples of head in a Sentence
Noun
She patted the dog on the head. He nodded his head in agreement. The ceiling's low—watch your head!Adjective
as head editor at the TV station for 17 years, he has hired and fired innumerable staff membersVerb
The group was headed by the church pastor. He was accused of heading the revolt. I hopped in the car and headed down the street. After lunch, we headed back to the office. She headed out early this morning. The birds have already started heading south for the winter. The forward headed the ball into the goal.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
There's always one shot that leaves a golfer shaking his or her head. — Mike Hutton, Post-Tribune, "Crown Point's Yianni Kostouros keeps momentum going in Northern Amateur," 19 July 2017 Delimitros said one of the truck’s side view mirrors struck her in the head, causing minor injuries. — David Hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Police: Pickup driver deliberately hits traffic controller near Convention Center," 19 July 2017 Cal Fire representatives said the current parking mess has already impacted them because the driveway to their station enters the highway not far from the trail head. — J. Harry Jones, Ramona Sentinel, "Groups brainstorm solutions to Mt. Woodson parking," 19 July 2017 Now, Maineri heads into year 12 with 18 pitchers on his roster, hoping that rising junior Caleb Gilbert and sophomore-to-be Zach Hess will emerge at the top of the pitching rotation. — John Roach, NOLA.com, "LSU's Ed Orgeron answers on ESPN: 'What is the biggest change you've brought?'," 19 July 2017 Turning this on its head, the susceptibility of Bose– — Thilo Stöferle, Ars Technica, "The science of Spectral: Is that really how Bose–Einstein condensate behaves?," 18 July 2017 Head over to PCWorld’s comprehensive Windows 10 Creators Update review for the full rundown and extensive hands-on impressions, or our round-up of the Creators Update’s best new features. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "Windows 10 Creators Update FAQ: Everything you need to know," 17 July 2017 The Senate bill would also require the head of Air Force Space Command to serve for six years, rather than two or four years. — Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, "Space Corps Military Branch Approved by House," 15 July 2017 Facing a potential recall, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has a huge head start on anyone who wants to run for his job. — Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett raised $123,000 in first six months of the year," 14 July 2017Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
The dinner was his final interview to be the team’s head coach. ... — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "Inside the Rams’ Historic Decision to Hire a 30-Year-Old Head Coach," 28 Jan. 2019 Police said the Joseph Iles was wearing a helmet but suffered critical life-threatening internal and head injuries. — Sarah Brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "NKY motorcyclist in I-275 crash dies of injuries, surrounded by family," 11 July 2018 The stretch between Prairie du Sac and Spring Green is the most popular, so head west for a quieter experience. — Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin bucket list: 20 things you have to do," 17 May 2018 Both Alice and Jackie suffered facial and head injuries, and Alice was knocked unconscious. — Indianapolis Star, "Sister, mother of fallen deputy Koontz attacked at Howard County Courthouse," 26 Mar. 2018 Mariota will now have to adjust to yet another head coach - his third in four seasons - and a new offensive style. — Geoffrey C. Arnold, OregonLive.com, "Tom Brady injures throwing hand, but expected to play in AFC Championship game," 18 Jan. 2018 With Isaiah Crowell's future uncertain and head coach Hue Jackson having no clue how to keep Duke Johnson involved for all four quarters, Jones makes plenty of sense. — cleveland.com, "2018 NFL Mock Draft: All 12 picks for Cleveland Browns," 12 Jan. 2018 CBC News reported the team’s head coach, Darcy Haugan, was one of the people killed in the incident. — Fox News, "Crash of hockey team's bus leaves at least 15 dead, town devastated," 2 Oct. 2018 From Cyrus: Is it too far-fetched to believe Lane Kiffin returns to Boca for a third year to remain the head coach of Florida Atlantic? — Andy Staples, SI.com, "Why Florida's Successful Chris Leak/Tim Tebow QB Model Probably Isn't Right for Alabama This Year," 12 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Guests—including stars such as Kelly Clarkson and model Lily Aldridge—might spend the morning fly-fishing or learning to make cheese before heading to an intimate Emmylou Harris concert or a meal by guest chefs like Grant Achatz and Alain Ducasse. — Vanessa Gregory, ELLE Decor, "A Recently Renovated Mid-Century Home in Knoxville, Tennessee," 7 Feb. 2019 Edward managed to persuade his powerful ally to head back to Britain when the ship set sail from New York 12 days later. — Anna Pasternak, Town & Country, "How Wallis Simpson Reacted When King Edward VIII Revealed His Plans to Abdicate," 5 Mar. 2019 This event leads Moose to head to Glendale to stay with his aunt in order to get away from his father, ending Mevin for at least the time being. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "Who is Moose on "Riverdale"?," 7 Feb. 2019 Automotive Editor Jonathan Gitlin had the chance to head across the Atlantic to spend a couple of days behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-Pace and came away impressed. — Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, "The 20 most-popular stories of 2018," 25 Dec. 2018 Today show hosts and authors Hoda Kotb, 54, and Savannah Guthrie, 46, are the latest pair of famous faces to head to Magnolia Market at the Silos. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Chip and Joanna Gaines Are Hosting Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb at Magnolia Market," 10 Nov. 2018 In addition to heading to church, many honor the beginning of Lent by choosing to give up something for the 40 days, such as alcohol, sweets, or even swearing. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "When is Lent? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Christian Holiday," 13 Feb. 2019 People have taken to Twitter to express their concern with Goop heading to another platform, alleging that the brand reports pseudoscience. — Maya Mcdowell, House Beautiful, "Everything We Know So Far About Gwyneth Paltrow’s 'Goop' Series On Netflix," 6 Feb. 2019 Soon after, the cast packed up their bags and headed out to Japan to film the new series. — Tamara Fuentes, Seventeen, "3 Signs Harry Styles Is Going to Be "Queer Eye"’s Season 3 Celebrity Guest," 5 Feb. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'head.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Statistics for head
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for head
The first known use of head was before the 12th century
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More Definitions for head
head
noun
English Language Learners Definition of head
(Entry 1 of 2)
: the part of the body containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
: a person's mental ability : mind or intellect
: a person who has a specified mental or emotional quality
head
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of head (Entry 2 of 2)
: to be the leader of (something)
: to be first on (a list)
: to go in a specified direction or toward a specified place
See the full definition for head in the English Language Learners Dictionary
head
noun
\ ˈhed
\
\
Kids Definition of head
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: the part of the body containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
2
: mind entry 1 sense 1
Mom has a good head for figures.
3
: control of the mind or feelings
He kept his head during the emergency.
4
: the side of a coin or medal usually thought of as the front
5
: director sense 1, leader
She's the head of the school department.
6
: each person among a number
Count heads to make sure everyone is here.
7
plural head
: a unit of number
They own 100 head of cattle.
8
: something like a head in position or use
the head of a bed
9
: the place where a stream begins
10
: a tight mass of plant parts (as leaves or flowers)
a head of cabbage
11
: a part of a machine, tool, or weapon that performs the main work
head of a spear shower head
12
: a place of leadership or honor
He is at the head of his class.
over someone's head
: beyond someone's understanding
Their discussion was way over my head.
head
adjectiveKids Definition of head (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: chief entry 2 sense 1
He's the head coach.
2
: located at the front
We sat at the head table.
3
: coming from in front
We sailed into a head wind.
head
verb
headed;
heading
Kids Definition of head (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: to be the leader of
She headed the investigation.
2
: to go or cause to go in a certain direction
Let's head for home.
3
: to be first or get in front of
He heads the list of candidates.
4
: to provide with or form a head
This cabbage heads early.
head
noun
\ ˈhed
\
\
Medical Definition of head
1
: the division of the human body that contains the brain, the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the mouth
also
: the corresponding anterior division of the body of various animals including all vertebrates, most arthropods, and many mollusks and worms
2
: headache
3
: a projection or extremity especially of an anatomical part: as
a
: the rounded proximal end of a long bone (as the humerus)
b
: the end of a muscle nearest the origin
c
: the anterior end of an invertebrate : scolex
4
: the part of a boil, pimple, or abscess at which it is likely to break
5
: the end of a lipid molecule that consists of a polar group and is regarded as being opposite to the tail
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head
nounLegal Definition of head
: any of a number of individuals
by heads
: per capita
—used in the rules of intestate succession in Louisiana
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Comments on head
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