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loggerhead

noun log·ger·head \ ˈlȯ-gər-ˌhed , ˈlä- \
|Updated on: 3 Jun 2018

Definition of loggerhead

1 chiefly dialectal
a : blockhead
b : head; especially : a disproportionately large head
2 a : a very large chiefly carnivorous sea turtle (Caretta caretta) of subtropical and temperate waters
b : alligator snapping turtle
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
— at loggerheads
: in or into a state of quarrelsome disagreement

See loggerhead defined for kids

Examples of loggerhead in a Sentence

  1. that loggerhead couldn't find the business end of a cow even if his life depended on it

Recent Examples of loggerhead from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loggerhead.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of loggerhead

illustration of loggerhead

Origin and Etymology of loggerhead

probably from English dialect logger block of wood + English head

LOGGERHEAD Defined for Kids

loggerhead

noun log·ger·head \ ˈlȯ-gər-ˌhed , ˈlä- \

Definition of loggerhead for Students

: a very large sea turtle found in the warmer parts of the Atlantic Ocean

Learn More about loggerhead

  1. See words that rhyme with loggerhead Spanish Central: Translation of loggerhead Nglish: Translation of loggerhead for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about loggerhead

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