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

There are also plenty of beaches to choose from, and many of them are known for welcoming nesting loggerhead turtles. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026

The Senate’s appropriations committee is at loggerheads over how much spending to authorize. — Kevin R. Kosar, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026

In 2025, the center rescued 59 turtles from that same stretch of water, mostly loggerheads and green sea turtles during Florida's sea turtle nesting season, which runs from May through October. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026

Like all sea turtle species, loggerheads are cold-blooded and rely on warm ocean temperatures. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 16 June 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