loggerhead

noun

log·​ger·​head ˈlȯ-gər-ˌhed How to pronounce loggerhead (audio)
ˈlä-
Synonyms of loggerheadnext
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

see also at loggerheads

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
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.
The Yemeni leader, who heads a separatist group backed by the Emirates but at loggerheads with Saudi Arabia, knew that whatever waited for him in Riyadh wouldn’t be to his liking. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026 When Ryan came to loggerheads with original Dragon co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik, Ryan asked for Martin’s support in their dispute, and got it (Sapochnik left the show after season one). James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Jan. 2026 In contrast, loggerheads, with algae and barnacles clinging to their shells, have a seaweedy smell. Elizabeth Preston, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025 The island is one of the world’s prime loggerhead nesting sites and home to a growing population of greens. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loggerhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loggerhead. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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

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