Word
hammerhead
Phoneticsham·mer·head
UK/hˈæməhˌɛd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a type of shark with a wide, flat head that looks like a tool. It has eyes at each end of its head, which helps it see better while hunting.
n. a shark of the family Sphyrnidae, distinguished by a laterally flattened and extended head structure. The positioning of the eyes at the ends of these extensions provides the animal with enhanced binocular vision and depth perception.
Examples
“The hammerhead swam gracefully through the clear blue water.”
“Divers often travel to the Galapagos Islands specifically to witness schools of hammerhead sharks migrating through the deep channels.”
“Marine biologists have theorised that the unique cephalofoil of the hammerhead serves not only as a sensory organ for detecting electrical fields but also as a hydrofoil for improved manoeuvrability.”
Examples
simple
“The hammerhead swam gracefully through the clear blue water.”
contextual
“Divers often travel to the Galapagos Islands specifically to witness schools of hammerhead sharks migrating through the deep channels.”
complex
“Marine biologists have theorised that the unique cephalofoil of the hammerhead serves not only as a sensory organ for detecting electrical fields but also as a hydrofoil for improved manoeuvrability.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “hammerhead” in context.
Verb
01. hammerhead hunts
“The hammerhead hunts primarily at night, searching for stingrays on the seafloor.”
noun + verb
02. hammerhead inhabits
“The hammerhead inhabits warm tropical waters around the globe.”
noun + verb
03. observe hammerhead
“Researchers spent months trying to observe hammerhead behavior in the wild.”
verb + noun
04. protect hammerhead
“New laws were passed to protect hammerhead populations from overfishing.”
verb + noun
05. track hammerhead
“Scientists use satellite tags to track hammerhead movements across the Pacific.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. juvenile hammerhead
“Shallow coastal bays serve as nurseries for the juvenile hammerhead.”
adj + noun
07. migratory hammerhead
“The migratory hammerhead travels thousands of miles across open ocean.”
adj + noun
08. solitary hammerhead
“Divers spotted a solitary hammerhead patrolling the edge of the reef.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. school of hammerhead
“We were lucky enough to see a massive school of hammerhead sharks near the island.”
noun + prep + noun
10. species of hammerhead
“There are nine known species of hammerhead found in the world's oceans.”
noun + prep + noun
11. distinctive shape of hammerhead
“The distinctive shape of the hammerhead makes it easy to identify from a distance.”
12. encounter a hammerhead shark
“It is rare for a diver to encounter a hammerhead shark in such shallow water.”
Usage
Commonly used as a compound noun ('hammerhead shark') or as a standalone noun in marine contexts.
Real-World Examples
“With a bulging head that looks like it swallowed a gavel, there's no mistaking the animal: It’s a hammerhead shark.” “The unmistakable fluted T-shape of a scalloped hammerhead shark slides by, followed by a diver holding his breath and a metal spear like an extra-long snooker cue.” “Now, a study suggests that the hammerhead shark may have evolved its oddly shaped snout to boost the animal’s vision and hunting prowess.” “People joke about asking horses, “Why the long face?” We should redirect this question to hammerhead sharks.” Etymology
From hammer + head.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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