headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

1

: unplowed land at the ends of furrows or near a fence

2

: a point of usually high land jutting out into a body of water : promontory

Synonyms of headland

• peninsula
• promontory

Examples of headland in a Sentence

the lighthouse, situated on a narrow, rocky headland, commands an expansive view of the coast

navigation is notoriously difficult at the southernmost tip of South America, where ships must round the headland of Cape Horn

Recent Examples on the Web

Climb to the top of the Astoria Column to take in the lay of the land, with panoramic views of headlands, forests, and waterways. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Various ideas were proposed during the past three years, including cobble deltas that would mimic conditions at Lower Trestles and mini headlands. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 25 Nov. 2025

Wind gusts will be particularly strong along windward ridges and exposed coastal headlands. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Throughout the year, beachgoers enjoy its rocky coves and expansive sand, as well as the cliffs and headlands that preside over its shorelines. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

: a point of land sticking out into the sea : promontory