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

Once the eclipse ends, this rugged headland becomes an excellent place to watch the Perseids, with broad ocean views and little interference from nearby towns. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 15 July 2026

With its headland position, boatshed, launching ramp and formal gardens, the estate gives riverfront living the weight of inheritance. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

If time allows for a mini roadtrip, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head out to Point Reyes National Seashore, a treasure trove of rocky headlands, beaches, and waterfall hikes. — Becky Duffett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026

Freeman envisioned the steep bluff as a natural amphitheater and arranged the villas on staggered terraces that hug the headland to ensure unobstructed ocean views over the roofs below. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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