loggerhead

noun

log·​ger·​head ˈlȯ-gər-ˌhed How to pronounce loggerhead (audio)
ˈlä-
1
chiefly dialectal
a
b
: head
especially : a disproportionately large head
2
a
: a very large chiefly carnivorous sea turtle (Caretta caretta) of subtropical and temperate waters
3
: an iron tool consisting of a long handle terminating in a ball or bulb that is heated and used to melt tar or to heat liquids

Illustration of loggerhead

Illustration of loggerhead
  • loggerhead 2a
Phrases
at loggerheads
: in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement

Examples of loggerhead in a Sentence

that loggerhead couldn't find the business end of a cow even if his life depended on it
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Due to the loggerhead sea turtles that thrive here, İztuzu Beach has had protected status since 1988. Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Aug. 2024 China and South Korea have been at diplomatic loggerheads for several years, following the deployment of U.S. anti-missile defenses in the country. Patrick Frater, Variety, 26 July 2024 The victims were olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), and endangered green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles. Byrichard Pallardy, science.org, 28 June 2024 The island is one of the most important nesting spots for loggerhead sea turtles, according to the FSU Marine Turtle Research Ecology and Conservation Group. Robin Raven, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loggerhead 

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect logger block of wood + English head

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of loggerhead was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near loggerhead

Cite this Entry

“Loggerhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loggerhead. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

loggerhead

noun
log·​ger·​head ˈlȯg-ər-ˌhed How to pronounce loggerhead (audio)
ˈläg-
: any of several very large turtles
especially : a flesh-eating sea turtle of the warmer parts of the western Atlantic

More from Merriam-Webster on loggerhead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!