WordGarden.iohead
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɛd/
US
- /ˈhɛd/
Meanings
Noun
the upper part of the body containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
the mind, thoughts, judgment, or mental ability
a person who leads or is in charge of a group or organization
More meaningsFewer meanings
the top, front, or leading end or position of something
Verb
to move or go in a specified direction
to lead or be in charge of something
Beyond the definition
We all have a head, the part of the body that holds the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. But "head" is not just about the body. It can also mean the person in charge, like the head of a company or a department. If someone thinks clearly and makes good choices, you might say they have their "head screwed on straight."
You use your head to think ("Use your head!") or nod it to show agreement. You can also head toward a place ("We headed north") or be at the head of a line ("She's at the head of the line"). It is a very flexible word that links the body, the mind, leadership, and movement.
The word "head" has a wide range of meanings, going far beyond the body part at the top of your neck. First, it refers to the part of the body that contains the brain and the main sense organs: "He hit his head on the low ceiling."
Beyond anatomy, "head" functions as a powerful metaphor for leadership and authority. We see this in titles like "head of state" or "head chef." It also signifies the beginning, top, or front of an object, such as the "head of the bed," the "head of the table," or the "head of a queue."
Figuratively, "head" represents intellect and mental capacity. Someone might have a "good head for figures," meaning they are talented at math, while to "lose your head" means to become panicked or lose self-control. Interestingly, the word is also used as a unit of measurement for livestock, as in "fifty head of cattle."
As a verb, "to head" means to move in a particular direction ("Let's head home") or to be in charge of a project or organization ("She heads the research team"). From physical anatomy to abstract concepts of leadership and intelligence, "head" is a word that is constantly working—just like the one on your shoulders!
Examples
- 1
Body part
She rested her head on my shoulder.
- 2
List position
His name was at the head of the list.
- Phraseat the head of
at the top or beginning of something
- 3
Table position
Grandma sat at the head of the table.
- 4
Team leader
She is the head of the design team.
- Patternhead of + group
the person in charge of it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Careful thinking
Use your head before you say anything.
- Phraseuse your head
think carefully
- 6
Thoughts
I can't get that song out of my head.
- Phraseout of my head
out of my thoughts
- 7
Going home
Let's head home before it starts raining.
- Patternhead + place
go toward that place
- 8
Travel direction
After the meeting, we headed for the station.
- Patternhead for + place
go toward it
- 9
Path direction
The path heads down to the beach.
- Patternhead down to + place
go in that direction
- 10
Prices
Prices are heading up again.
- 11
Project leadership
She headed the project for five years.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- headnounverbadjective
Forms
- headspluralnounverbadjective
- headedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- heading-ing formverbnounadjective