head
head — verb
- headpresent simple I / you / we / they
- heads3rd person singular
- heading-ing form
- headedpast simple
1. to move or set out towards a particular destination or in a specific direction,
to move or set out towards a particular destination or in a specific direction, often with a purpose
After breakfast, Kabir headed straight for the library to study for his exam.
head + adverb/preposition: head straight for [place]
The delivery truck was heading south when a tyre blew out on the highway.
head + direction: head south, north, etc.
Felix decided to head back to the campsite before sunset.
Eli headed towards the train station through the crowded market.
Putri called to say she was heading home and would arrive in twenty minutes.
文法句型
head + adverb/preposition
用法筆記
Commonly used with direction adverbs (north, south, back, home) or prepositional phrases (towards, for, to, out of). The object is always a destination or direction, never a person.
常見錯誤
2. to take the most senior role within a team, organisation, or project, guiding it
to take the most senior role within a team, organisation, or project, guiding its activities and key decisions
Roya heads the marketing department at a fast-growing tech company in Seoul.
head + department/organisation
A retired judge was chosen to head the investigation into police conduct.
The charity is headed by Folake, who started it with her own savings.
Eric was asked to head the committee that plans the annual school festival.
Lukas heads a research team of fifteen scientists studying ocean pollution.
- follow
to be under someone else’s leadership
文法句型
head + organization/group
用法筆記
Subject is typically a person or small group. The object is an organisation, department, team, committee, or project — not a one-time event (use ‘lead’ or ‘organise’ instead).
常見錯誤
3. to occupy the leading or highest position in a list, procession, ranking, or sim
to occupy the leading or highest position in a list, procession, ranking, or similar ordered sequence
Chidi’s name headed the list of scholarship recipients this year.
head + list: name heads the list
A marching band in bright red uniforms headed the parade through the main street.
The local bakery’s sourdough bread heads the ranking of best products in the city.
Yumi’s art project headed the exhibition catalogue, just before the introduction.
An elderly veteran headed the procession of soldiers during the memorial service.
- top
more common in everyday speech, can be used for lists and rankings
- lead
used for races or competitions, emphasises being ahead
- come first in
more explicit, used in informal contexts
- bring up the rear
to be at the very end of a group or procession
文法句型
head + list/procession/ranking
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (LEADER): this sense focuses on position in a sequence or ranking, not on authority or control. The subject can be an inanimate thing (a product, a name) as well as a person.
常見錯誤
4. to strike a ball with one’s head, especially in soccer, in order to pass, score,
to strike a ball with one’s head, especially in soccer, in order to pass, score, or clear it
Otis jumped high and headed the ball into the top corner of the net.
head + ball + into [target]
The defender headed the ball away from the goal just before the whistle blew.
Esteban practised heading the ball against the wall every afternoon after school.
In the final minute of the match, Yumi headed the winning goal past the goalkeeper.
文法句型
head + ball + preposition (into, to, away)
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in soccer/football contexts. The object is always a ball. Common direction prepositions include into, to, away, across, and down.
常見錯誤
5. to cut off the head of a person or animal, usually as a form of execution or in
to cut off the head of a person or animal, usually as a form of execution or in preparation of food
In some historical accounts, captured enemy soldiers were beheaded by order of the king.
passive: be beheaded (as execution)
The fishmonger headed and gutted the fish before wrapping it for the customer.
Ancient texts describe how the rebel leader was beheaded in the town square.
Before cooking the shrimp, the chef quickly headed each one with a sharp knife.
- behead
more common, used almost exclusively for executions of humans
- decapitate
formal, clinical term used in medical or legal contexts
文法句型
head + person/animal
用法筆記
This sense is much less common than ‘behead’ in modern English. It appears most often in historical narratives about executions or in cooking contexts when preparing fish or shellfish.
6. (of certain plants and vegetables) to grow into a compact, rounded shape at the
(of certain plants and vegetables) to grow into a compact, rounded shape at the top, such as a cabbage forming its edible centre
The cabbages need plenty of sunlight and water to head properly.
head as intransitive verb (plants)
By late autumn, the lettuce had headed and was ready for harvest.
The broccoli began to head after the weather turned cool and rainy.
The cauliflower plants started to head after the farmer added fertiliser to the soil.
- form a head
more explicit, used in gardening instructions
- bolt
when a plant goes to seed prematurely instead of forming a compact head
文法句型
head (of plants/vegetables)
用法筆記
A specialised gardening and agricultural term. Only used for plants that naturally form a head, such as cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower. Not used for fruits or flowers on stems.
7. to start in a particular place and flow from there — used when describing where
to start in a particular place and flow from there — used when describing where a river or stream begins its course
The Danube River heads in Germany's Black Forest region.
head in [place] for river sources
After Putri traced the creek upstream, she learned it heads from a volcanic spring.
The Amazon River heads at a high lake in the Peruvian Andes.
The Amazon River heads in the Andes Mountains of Peru, thousands of miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
A small river headed in the hills above the village, just as Mizuki remembered.
文法句型
head in [place]
head at [place]
用法筆記
Nearly always used for rivers, streams, creeks, and other flowing water. The place named after 'in' or 'at' is the source or headwaters of the waterway.
常見錯誤
head — noun
- headsingular
- headsplural
1. the topmost part of a person's or creature's body, resting on the neck and conta
the topmost part of a person's or creature's body, resting on the neck and containing the brain, face, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
Mei-Lin wore a wide-brimmed hat on her head to block the bright sunlight.
on + possessive + head — position/location
Brooke gently turned the baby's head to check for a rash behind the ear.
The dog tilted its head to one side when Stefan called its name.
A helmet protects your head during a bicycle ride.
- feet
the opposite end of the body from the head
文法句型
the + noun
possessive + noun
用法筆記
Used with verbs such as 'shake', 'nod', 'tilt', 'turn', 'raise', and 'lower' to describe gestures and movements. 'Head' is also used in many compound nouns (headache, headlight, headline).
常見錯誤
2. used as a unit for counting individual people or animals, especially when calcul
used as a unit for counting individual people or animals, especially when calculating cost, number, or quantity
The guided tour of the castle costs £25 a head, including a light lunch.
price + a/per + head — cost per person
The ranch across the valley has over two hundred head of cattle.
number + head of [animal] — counting livestock
Nadia collected the tickets and counted heads to make sure nobody was missing.
The dinner buffet cost $40 per head, which was cheaper than ordering separate dishes.
- per person
more formal way to say per head
- each
shorter alternative: '$20 each'
文法句型
number + head of + animal
a/per + head + price/cost
用法筆記
When counting livestock (cattle, sheep), the form 'head' stays the same in plural: 'fifty head of cattle' (not 'fifty heads'). When counting people informally, 'a head' or 'per head' is used for per-person costs.
常見錯誤
3. a rough unit for measuring differences in height between people or animals, equa
a rough unit for measuring differences in height between people or animals, equal approximately to the vertical length of a person's head; also used to describe a winning margin in racing or sport
Tomás is almost a full head taller than his cousin, even though they are the same age.
a + head + comparative — describing height difference
The grey horse won the race by half a head in a very close finish.
by + half a head — describing narrow win in racing
Hiro stood a head above the other players when the team photo was taken.
Wren grew three inches in a year and now stands nearly a head above her mother.
- head's length
a more explicit but less common phrasing
文法句型
number + head(s)
a/one + head + comparative adjective
用法筆記
Common in horse racing ('win by a head', 'win by half a head') and in describing relative height between people. When used figuratively, 'head and shoulders above' means far superior — see the idioms section.
4. a person's mind, including their ability to think clearly, remember information,
a person's mind, including their ability to think clearly, remember information, learn new skills, make good judgments, and stay in control of their emotions
Saira has a good head for languages and picked up Spanish in just six months.
have a good head for + [skill] — natural ability
Wren tried to clear his head by taking a long walk along the river after work.
clear your head — remove distracting thoughts
A sudden loud noise made it hard to keep a clear head during the exam.
Emily has a good head for business and started selling handmade gifts online last year.
文法句型
have a good/head for + noun
use your head
something sticks in your head
用法筆記
This sense appears in many common expressions: 'use your head' (think carefully), 'keep a clear head' (stay calm and logical), 'take something into your head' (suddenly decide). The phrase 'have a head for X' means natural talent for that activity.
常見錯誤
5. the ability to stay calm, steady, and unafraid when standing on a high place or
the ability to stay calm, steady, and unafraid when standing on a high place or looking down from above
You need a good head for heights if you want to work as a window cleaner on skyscrapers.
have a good head for heights — comfort in high places
Eitan does not have a head for heights, so he avoids hiking on narrow mountain paths.
Nadia has a good head for heights and happily climbs the ladder to clean the gutters.
If you do not have a head for heights, avoid the glass bridge near the top of the tower.
- steady nerves
broader term for staying calm under any pressure, not only heights
- fear of heights
the opposite condition; also called acrophobia
文法句型
have a head for heights
not have a head for heights
用法筆記
Almost always used in the phrase 'have a (good) head for heights' or its negative form. This sense is distinct from sense 4 (mind/intellect) because it refers specifically to physical steadiness in high places, not general mental ability.
常見錯誤
6. someone who holds the highest position of authority within a team, department, c
someone who holds the highest position of authority within a team, department, company, school, or institution and has the power to make key decisions
Dr. Okafor was appointed head of the cardiology department at the city hospital.
head + of + [department/organization] — leadership role
The school head called a meeting with all the teachers to discuss the new timetable.
Allison worked as the head of marketing for five years before starting her own company.
The head of the research team presented the findings at the international conference.
The head called a meeting for all parents to discuss the new lunch menu.
Kwame's mother spoke to the head about her son's progress in maths class.
After fifteen years as head of the school, Mrs. Nakamura announced her retirement.
Sana made an appointment to see the head about starting a chess club.
- subordinate
a person under the authority of another in an organization
- member
a person who belongs to a group but does not lead it
文法句型
the + head + of + organization
head + noun (as modifier)
用法筆記
Common in job titles: 'head teacher', 'head of department', 'head of state'. In business, the word 'head' can refer to any senior leadership position. Unlike 'manager' or 'supervisor', 'head' implies the top or most senior role in that area. In British English, 'the head' by itself commonly refers to the head teacher or principal of a school. American English prefers 'principal' for this role.
常見錯誤
7. An older student chosen to act as a representative of their school during offici
An older student chosen to act as a representative of their school during official events and ceremonies.
As head boy, Ryo gave a welcome speech at the graduation ceremony.
collocation: head boy / head girl
Salma was chosen as head girl because of her strong leadership and helpful attitude.
The head boy and head girl welcomed the visitors to the school open day last Friday.
Trang felt very proud when the staff announced the new head girl position.
- school captain
used in some Commonwealth countries instead of head boy/girl
- head student
a gender-neutral alternative used in some schools
文法句型
head boy / head girl
用法筆記
Used mainly in British secondary schools. 'Head boy' and 'head girl' are separate positions; a school typically has one of each per year.
8. The highest point, frontmost position, or leading place within a group, space, o
The highest point, frontmost position, or leading place within a group, space, or ordered list.
Liang sat at the head of the table during the family dinner.
collocation: at the head of the table
William's name appeared at the head of the list of exam results.
The head of the page should show the title and the author's name.
The coach stood at the head of the line and called out each player's name.
文法句型
the head of [something]
用法筆記
Frequently used in fixed phrases such as 'at the head of the table', 'at the head of the list', and 'head of the page'. Distinguish from sense 13 (river head), which specifically refers to a water source.
常見錯誤
9. The thick striking portion of a tool such as a hammer, or the broad tip of a nai
The thick striking portion of a tool such as a hammer, or the broad tip of a nail or screw.
Eli hit the nail on the head with a single, careful strike.
idiomatic phrase: hit the nail on the head
The head of the hammer came loose after years of daily use on the building site.
Quinn measured the head of the screw to find the right drill bit for the job.
The head of the shovel snapped off when Sara tried to dig in the frozen ground.
- striking end
describes the function more precisely than 'head'
文法句型
the head of [tool]
用法筆記
Often paired with 'of' when specifying the tool (the head of the hammer / the head of the golf club). In compound nouns the word can appear first, e.g. 'hammerhead', 'screw head'.
10. The tightly clustered rounded section at the tip of a stem where leaves or bloom
The tightly clustered rounded section at the tip of a stem where leaves or blooms form.
Astrid cut the head of the lettuce and put the leaves into the salad bowl.
collocation: head of lettuce
The sunflower's bright yellow head slowly turned to follow the afternoon sun.
The gardener trimmed the dead heads off the roses in the garden every spring.
The farmer harvested the heads of the cabbages before the first frost arrived.
- flower head
specifically for flowering plants
- capitulum
the technical botanical term for a flower head
文法句型
head of [plant]
用法筆記
Commonly used for vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and cauliflower, as well as for flowers like sunflowers. 'Dead-heading' is the practice of removing faded flower heads to encourage new growth.
11. The pale froth that forms across the surface of a freshly poured beer.
The pale froth that forms across the surface of a freshly poured beer.
The bartender poured the dark beer slowly to create a thick, creamy head.
collocation: thick / creamy head
Felipe prefers his stout with a tall head that lasts several minutes.
Heather asked the waiter for a beer with very little head on it.
The waiter poured too fast, and the head of the beer spilled over the rim.
文法句型
a head on beer
用法筆記
A 'good head' is considered desirable in many beer styles. The head is formed by carbon dioxide bubbles and affects the beer's aroma and mouthfeel.
12. the starting point of a river, usually found in mountains or hills where undergr
the starting point of a river, usually found in mountains or hills where underground water first reaches the surface
Sayaka traced the stream back to its head in the mountain valley.
head of a river / stream
The village lies near the river head, where water first rises from the ground.
Heavy rain at the river's head caused flooding in the towns downstream.
Eliska followed the stream up the mountain to discover its hidden head.
- source
more general — can refer to the origin of anything, not just water
- headwaters
plural form, more common in everyday use than 'head' alone
- mouth
the place where a river ends by flowing into a larger body of water
用法筆記
In this sense 'head' is often paired with 'of' (the head of the river) or used in compounds like 'headwater' and 'headstream.'
13. the small whitish tip that forms on a pimple or boil when pus gathers just benea
the small whitish tip that forms on a pimple or boil when pus gathers just beneath the skin's surface
Beatriz gently cleaned the head of the pimple on her chin before going to bed.
head of + pimple / spot / abscess
The doctor said the head of the abscess would burst within a day or two.
Hyun left the spot alone until a head formed naturally on top of it.
Reema squeezed the head of the boil carefully after it turned white.
用法筆記
Often follows a possessive: 'the head of the pimple' or 'its head.' This sense is specific to skin blemishes and does not apply to general injuries.
常見錯誤
14. the face of a coin decorated with a portrait, chosen by one player when tossing
the face of a coin decorated with a portrait, chosen by one player when tossing the coin to decide between two options
Rania tossed a coin and called heads before it landed on the table.
call heads — announce your choice
"Heads or tails?" Anong asked, holding up a shiny coin between her fingers.
Ezra flipped the coin and it came up heads, so their team kicked off first.
Nellie won the coin toss by calling heads and chose the window seat.
- obverse
formal technical term in coin collecting; not used in everyday language
- tails
the opposite side of the coin
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'heads or tails.' Even when referring to one side, the plural 'heads' is standard. The opposite side is called 'tails.'
常見錯誤
15. a small electromagnetic component inside a cassette player, video machine, or di
a small electromagnetic component inside a cassette player, video machine, or disk drive that picks up information from or stores it onto a magnetic surface
Yael used a cotton swab to clean the tape head on the old cassette player.
tape head — compound noun for recording device part
The hard drive failed because the scratched read head could not access the data.
read head — specific type of head
Harper replaced the recording head when the video picture grew fuzzy.
The technician inspected the playback head and found it covered in dust.
- read-write head
more precise when the head handles both reading and writing
- magnetic head
broader technical term covering all types
用法筆記
Often appears in compound nouns: 'tape head,' 'read head,' 'recording head,' 'playback head.' This sense is becoming less common as tape and disk-based media are replaced by solid-state storage.
16. the main word inside a phrase that gives the whole phrase its basic grammatical
the main word inside a phrase that gives the whole phrase its basic grammatical function; for example, the noun 'house' is the head of the phrase 'the old red house'
In the phrase "a very old house," the head is "house" because the whole phrase acts like a noun.
head of a noun phrase = the noun itself
The linguistics professor explained that the head of "run quickly" is the verb "run."
To find a phrase's head, look for the word essential to its meaning.
In 'the tall girl with red shoes,' the head is 'girl' because the phrase names a person.
用法筆記
A technical term in grammar analysis. The head determines whether a phrase is a noun phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase, etc. Words that depend on the head are called dependents or modifiers.
常見錯誤
17. a thin strip of elevated ground extending outward from the shoreline into the oc
a thin strip of elevated ground extending outward from the shoreline into the ocean, typically with steep sides
The lighthouse stands on a rocky head visible for miles out at sea.
rocky head — adjective + head for headland
Tendai hiked out to the head and watched the waves crash against the cliffs below.
Sailors use the head as a landmark when they approach the port from the north.
Eliska photographed the head from the beach as the sun went down.
- headland
more common term in everyday language
- promontory
more formal; often refers to a larger landform
- cape
similar; typically larger and more prominent
用法筆記
This sense is somewhat literary. 'Headland' or 'promontory' is more common in everyday speech. 'Head' alone appears mainly in place names (e.g., Beachy Head) and in descriptive writing about coastlines.
常見錯誤
18. a painful or uncomfortable feeling inside the head, often caused by being sick,
a painful or uncomfortable feeling inside the head, often caused by being sick, very tired, or having had too many alcoholic drinks
Amira woke up with a terrible head after staying up too late last night.
collocation: have/get + a + adjective + head
Lien lay down in a dark room because she had a bad head.
Joshua had a splitting head from the loud music at the concert.
The long car ride gave Minho a terrible head that would not go away.
文法句型
have/get + a/an + adjective + head
用法筆記
This meaning of 'head' is informal and mostly used in British English. It is commonly paired with 'have' or 'get' plus an adjective such as 'bad', 'terrible', or 'splitting'.
常見錯誤
19. the act of using the mouth on a person's sex organs to give them sexual pleasure
the act of using the mouth on a person's sex organs to give them sexual pleasure
The couple joked about giving head during their private conversation at the party.
grammar pattern: give + head
Tamar looked away when the film showed two people giving each other head.
A group of teenagers whispered about receiving head, unsure if the slang was being used correctly.
Some people consider giving head a very private act between partners.
- oral sex
the standard, neutral term; 'head' is informal slang
- fellatio
formal medical term for oral stimulation of a penis
- cunnilingus
formal medical term for oral stimulation of a vulva
文法句型
give (someone) head
用法筆記
This is informal slang. It is considered vulgar or crude in many social situations. The more formal terms are 'oral sex', 'fellatio', or 'cunnilingus'.
20. a person who is extremely interested in a particular subject or activity — used
a person who is extremely interested in a particular subject or activity — used as a standalone noun with a preceding noun modifier (written as two words, e.g. 'music head'), distinct from the fused suffix -head
Cyrus is a total music head who spends every weekend digging through record shops.
standalone noun pattern: [adjective] + [noun] + head
The coffee shop is full of film heads discussing obscure old movies every morning.
Erik became a proper tech head after teaching himself to build computers from spare parts.
Police arrested several drug heads during the raid, though the term is considered offensive.
- enthusiast
neutral and formal; 'head' is informal slang
- fanatic
implies extreme enthusiasm that may be unreasonable
- addict
stronger, implying dependency; common for drugs
文法句型
[noun] + head (as two words)
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with the suffix '-head' (see the suffix entry above). The difference is that noun/21 treats 'head' as a standalone noun preceded by a modifier and written as two words (music head, film head), while the suffix creates fused single-word compounds (pothead, gearhead). The drug-related uses can be derogatory.
常見錯誤
21. a title or short phrase printed above a block of text to show what the writing b
a title or short phrase printed above a block of text to show what the writing below is about
Each chapter in the textbook begins with a bold head that names the topic.
collocation: bold head + of + chapter
Maeve wrote short heads for each section of her report.
The front-page head read "City Council Approves New Park".
Zayd added a clear head above each paragraph in his essay.
文法句型
head + of + [document/section]
用法筆記
The more common word for this sense is 'heading' or 'title'. 'Head' is often used in publishing and word-processing contexts, especially in compounds like 'chapter head' or 'section head'.
常見錯誤
head — adjective
- headpositive
- headercomparative
- headestsuperlative
1. worn on, attached to, or affecting the head
worn on, attached to, or affecting the head
Liam had to wear a special head brace for six weeks after the accident.
head + noun for protective equipment
The pharmacy sells several kinds of head lice treatment for children.
A head massage can help reduce stress and relieve tension in your shoulders.
Jenna bought a soft head cushion to support her neck during long flights.
- cranial
medical or technical term; not used in everyday speech
文法句型
head + noun
用法筆記
This sense appears only before a noun and describes something designed for or happening to the head.
常見錯誤
2. holding the highest rank or most important position within a group or organizati
holding the highest rank or most important position within a group or organization
The head chef at that restaurant trained in Paris for five years.
head + job title for top role
Faisal was promoted to head of sales after leading the team through a difficult year.
Our head office is in Taipei, with smaller branches in Kaohsiung and Taichung.
The head groundskeeper has worked at the golf club for over twenty years.
文法句型
head + noun (job title or department)
用法筆記
Unlike the noun sense which refers to a person (e.g. 'the head of the department'), this adjective sense modifies a noun to show that someone or something is the most senior or central.
常見錯誤
3. situated at the very top, front, or beginning of something
situated at the very top, front, or beginning of something
The head table at the wedding reception was decorated with white roses.
The head of the hiking trail offers a spectacular view of the entire valley.
head of + noun for starting or top point
Noor stood at the head of the queue, waiting for the ticket office to open.
Before passing the contract to the client, Yael signed at the head of the page.
文法句型
head + noun (positional)
用法筆記
Describes physical position only — the highest or frontmost part of a space, line, or object. Distinguished from sense 2 (CHIEF), which describes rank rather than location.
4. blowing or moving directly from the front, making progress more difficult
blowing or moving directly from the front, making progress more difficult
The cyclists struggled against a strong head wind during the final ten kilometers.
head wind — wind coming from the front
A head sea made the morning ferry ride much rougher than usual.
head sea — waves moving against a vessel
The pilot announced that a head wind would delay their arrival by thirty minutes.
A strong head current made it nearly impossible for the swimmers to reach the shore.
文法句型
head + noun (wind, sea, current)
用法筆記
Used primarily in weather, sailing, and aviation contexts. Only a few nouns commonly follow this sense: 'wind', 'sea', 'current', 'swell'.
head — suffix
1. A suffix added to a noun to create a word for someone who has an extremely stron
A suffix added to a noun to create a word for someone who has an extremely strong interest in something, often someone who regularly uses a particular drug.
Nikos was the biggest pothead in his dorm, with smoke always drifting from his window.
suffix: pothead = marijuana user
After serving time for drug possession, Eitan's family helped him leave the crackhead life behind.
suffix: crackhead = crack cocaine user
Olivia is a total gearhead who rebuilt a 1967 Mustang engine from scratch last summer.
Femi and his dad are deadheads who have seen the Grateful Dead play over fifty times.
When Beatrix's laptop broke, the techhead fixed it herself instead of buying a new one.
- -ophile
A more formal suffix from French/Greek, used in words like bibliophile or cinephile; -head is informal and more intense.
- fan
A standalone noun, not a suffix; less intense and neutral in register compared to -head.
- addict
Stronger and more negative; can be a standalone noun, whereas -head is a suffix that creates informal compound nouns.
文法句型
[noun] + -head
用法筆記
This suffix is informal and may be considered offensive when used to describe drug users. The drug-related compounds (e.g. pothead, crackhead) are stronger than the enthusiast compounds (e.g. gearhead, deadhead). For two-word uses (e.g. 'music head', 'film head'), see noun sense 21 (ENTHUSIAST).