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

Steve Svekis Is Dolphins 2026 draft headed for heady territory? — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Gently reheat the kari before guests arrive, letting the warm, heady spices fill your home before everyone gathers around the table. — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026

Maybe our professors—maybe even Stockhausen himself—could see that James was approaching this heady territory in his own way. — Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026

The 24-ounce rib eye emerged the favorite, its generous marbling gripping the rum’s sweetness and the heady spices. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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