head over heels

adverb

1

a

: in or as if in a somersault : helter-skelter

tumbled head over heels

b

: upside down

hanging head over heels from a branch

2

: very much : deeply

head over heels in love

Examples of head over heels in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Matas Buzelis tumbled head over heels after accidentally jumping over a teammate to block a shot. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Those who find themselves head over heels for the heel component of the Nova-Shaft would be wise to invest in the Nova sans Shaft — called the Nova Dress Sandal, to be exact, and featuring a unique padded detail at the back. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026

The two fell head over heels for the dog but still decided to give him a chance to find a forever family, bringing him back to the shelter to meet potential adopters. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

The pair, by all appearances, are head over heels. —Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1694, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for head over heels

• automobiles
• abeles
• appeals
• conceals
• flywheels
• ideals
• newsreels
• ordeals
• repeals
• reveals
• beals
• deals

Kids Definition

head over heels

adverb

1

: in or as if in a somersault

fell head over heels down the hill

2

: very much : deeply

head over heels in love