head and shoulders

adverb

Synonyms of head and shouldersnext
: beyond comparison : by far
head and shoulders above the competition

Examples of head and shoulders in a Sentence

a performance that was head and shoulders above all the others in the talent competition
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lifting your head and shoulders to one side or the other or engaging in bicycle crunches by involving your legs will, too. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 The Lightning are head and shoulders above the rest of the East. Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026 Mayreau Beach Club & Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale hideaway perched on a blissfully tranquil bay. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026 In fact, the one area where the United States has historically stood head and shoulders above the Danish system is in our commitment to a comprehensive vaccine schedule. Michael Thwing, STAT, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head and shoulders

Word History

First Known Use

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head and shoulders was in 1642

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head and shoulders.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20and%20shoulders. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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