heady

adjective

ˈhe-dē 

headier; headiest

1

a

: willful, rash

heady opinions

b

: violent, impetuous

2

a

: tending to intoxicate or make giddy or elated

heady wine

being in such distinguished company was a heady experience

b

: giddy, exhilarated

heady with his success

c

: rich

a heady sauce

a heady variety

d

: impressive

a man of heady accomplishments

3

a

: marked by or showing good judgment : shrewd, intelligent

b

: intellectually stimulating or demanding

headily

ˈhe-də-lē 

adverb

headiness

ˈhe-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of heady

• ecstatic
• giddy
• euphoric

Examples of heady in a Sentence

The plane soared to heady heights.

They were heady with their newfound success.

Recent Examples on the Web

Called up to the varsity earlier in the season, Ruane has emerged as a versatile and heady talent who knows what is expected out of him for the Porters. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

Regardless, those heady days are long gone. —Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026

This heady sci-fi masterpiece from Denis Villeneuve tackles such a concept with thought and care, showing that a blockbuster doesn't have to be mindless. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2026

The heady combination of world leaders, the most powerful players in business and a splash of celebrity — all navigating the snowy streets of Alpine ski resort Davos — makes for a unique experience. —Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for heady

• ready
• reddi
• steady
• teddy
• thready
• already
• unsteady

Kids Definition

heady

adjective

ˈhed-ē 

headier; headiest

1

: willful sense 1, rash

2

: likely to make one giddy

heady wine

a heady height

headily

ˈhed-ə-lē 

adverb

headiness

ˈhed-ē-nəs 

noun