lightheaded

adjective

light·​head·​ed ˈlīt-ˌhe-dəd How to pronounce lightheaded (audio)
variants or light-headed
1
: experiencing a feeling that one might faint often along with a sensation of dizziness
Unaccustomed to the heat … and the farmer's failure to provide drinking water, I got lightheaded.George Dardess
I am light-headed from the altitude …Tony Ortega
2
: lacking in maturity or seriousness : frivolous
The theories are light-headed enough, but they at least indicate some connection with twentieth-century experience.Louis Menand
lightheadedly adverb
or light-headedly
… when the moral of the story is stated one last time, the tone veers jarringly from solemn to lightheadedly saccharine. Stephen Holden
lightheadedness noun
or light-headedness
He experienced mild light-headedness when the palpitations first started … Fred Morady et al.

Examples of lightheaded in a Sentence

I always get light-headed after riding roller coasters, even when I'm standing still again we couldn't concentrate on our work because we were feeling so light-headed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drinking a glass of water before the appointment and steady fluids afterward can make a noticeable difference, especially for those who tend to feel lightheaded with needles. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightheaded was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lightheaded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightheaded. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

light-headed

adjective
light-head·​ed
-ˈhed-əd
1
: feeling confused or dizzy
2
: not showing maturity or seriousness : frivolous
light-headedness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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