loggerhead

noun

log·​ger·​head ˈlȯ-gər-ˌhed 

ˈlä-

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

see also:

at loggerheads

Illustration of loggerhead

• loggerhead 2a

Synonyms of loggerhead

• idiot
• moron
• stupid
• mutt
• hammerhead

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

The Congress Party and the DMK have been at loggerheads over seat sharing and leadership within the opposition bloc, whereas the NDA has faced internal friction over constituency allocation and candidate selection. —Shabnam Dohutia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026

Their grayish-green shell, triangular head, and relatively small size set them apart from larger species like loggerheads or green sea turtles. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026

But the two sides were soon at loggerheads. —Lily Hindy, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026

Longboat Key is also a nesting ground for loggerheads and other species, with educational night walks offered by Longboat Key Turtle Watch. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect logger block of wood + English head

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing loggerhead

• loggerhead shrike

Rhymes for loggerhead

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids Definition

loggerhead

noun

log·​ger·​head ˈlȯg-ər-ˌhed 

ˈläg-

: any of several very large turtles

especially : a flesh-eating sea turtle of the warmer parts of the western Atlantic