Definition of Head (meaning 1 of 5 — noun)
Quick Meaning of Head
The top part of your body where your brain, face, and senses are located.
Detailed Definition of Head
The upper part of the human or animal body containing the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
How to Pronounce Head
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The 'ea' makes the short /ɛ/ sound like in 'bed', not the long sound in 'read' /riːd/. Stress on first syllable.
Watch out: Pronounced as /hiːd/ with long vowel; should be /hɛd/ short vowel.
Other Meanings of Head
“Head” has 5 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 4:
#2 Head as a verb
To go toward a place or in a particular direction; to move as if leading the way.
head home
#3 Head as a noun
The most important person in charge of a group or organization; a leader or manager.
head of state
#4 Head as a noun
The person who is in command and makes decisions for a group, team, or organization.
head of state
#5 Head as a verb
To go toward a place or lead a group in a direction
head toward
Origin and Etymology of Head
From Old English 'hēafod', related to Germanic words for 'top' or 'extremity'.
How to Use Head in a Sentence
Each example shows “head” in the meaning “The top part of your body where your…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She bumped her head on the door frame.”
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“The child covered his head with a blanket.”
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“He shook his head to say 'no'.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Head
Common Synonyms for Head
Smart Synonyms for Head — When to Use Each
- skull
- for the hard bone structure of the head
- brain
- when referring to the organ inside the head
Common Collocations with Head
These phrases pair with “head” in everyday English:
- over your head
- head down
- head off
- head first
- go to your head
Common Mistakes When Using Head
Even fluent speakers slip up with “head”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I have a pain in my head.
- ✓ Correct: I have a headache.
- Why: For head pain, use 'headache' as one word, not 'pain in the head' (though both are grammatically correct, headache is the standard usage).
- ✗ Wrong: He is head in the clouds.
- ✓ Correct: He has his head in the clouds.
- Why: The idiomatic expression uses 'have' with 'head', not 'is'. This describes someone daydreaming or distracted.
Words Confused With Head
- Head vs Mind: Mind can mean the thinking organ but also consciousness; head is the physical body part Compare →
Other Forms of Head
Frequently Asked Questions About Head
What is the meaning of "Head"?
The top part of your body where your brain, face, and senses are located.
How do you pronounce "Head"?
The IPA is /hɛd/. The 'ea' makes the short /ɛ/ sound like in 'bed', not the long sound in 'read' /riːd/. Stress on first syllable.
What part of speech is "Head"?
"Head" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Head"?
Common synonyms include skull, cranium, mind.
How do you use "Head" in a sentence?
For example: "She bumped her head on the door frame."