# head /ˈhɛd/ (US) · /hˈɛd/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/head Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. body part noun · CEFR A1 the part of the body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. For teachers: the anatomical region of an animal or human containing the brain and major sensory organs. - He wore a warm hat to protect his head from the cold wind. - The patient reported a dull ache at the back of the head, radiating toward the neck muscles. ### 2. a leader noun · CEFR A2 the person in charge of a group, school, or organization. For teachers: the person occupying the highest position of authority within a hierarchy. - She was appointed as the new head of the marketing department. - As the head of the commission, he was responsible for delivering the final report to the prime minister. ### 3. top or front noun · CEFR B1 the top or front part of something, like a table, a bed, or a page. For teachers: the uppermost or foremost extremity of an object. - Write your name clearly at the head of the exam paper. - The host sat at the head of the table, presiding over the evening's festivities with quiet confidence. ### 4. foam on a drink noun · CEFR B2 the white foam on top of a glass of beer. For teachers: the layer of froth or foam that forms on the surface of a fermented beverage. - The waiter poured the beer carefully to ensure it had a perfect head. - A thick, creamy head is often considered a sign of a well-poured draught ale. ### 5. counting individuals noun · CEFR B2 a way to count animals or people in a group. For teachers: a unit of counting, typically applied to livestock or used in the phrase 'per head' for individuals. - The farmer has over fifty head of cattle on his land. - The cost of the dinner was calculated at forty dollars per head, including wine and service. ### 6. toilet on a ship noun · CEFR C1 · Technical the bathroom or toilet on a boat or ship. For teachers: the latrine or restroom facilities aboard a maritime vessel. - The sailor went below deck to use the head before his shift started. - The captain ordered the crew to clean the head as part of the weekly inspection routine. ### 7. to move toward verb · CEFR A2 to travel or move in a certain direction. For teachers: to proceed or move in a specified direction. Intransitive, often followed by 'for' or 'towards'. - We should head home before it starts to rain. - After the conference concluded, the delegates began to head toward the station to catch their respective trains. ### 8. to lead verb · CEFR B1 to be the leader of something or to be at the front of a line. For teachers: to serve as the leader or person in charge of an organization or movement. - She was chosen to head the new research project. - The CEO will head the delegation during the international trade negotiations in Brussels next month. ### 9. to hit with the head verb · CEFR B1 to hit a ball with your head, especially in football. For teachers: to strike or propel a ball using the head. Transitive in a sporting context. - He managed to head the ball into the net in the final minute. - The defender leaped high to head the cross away from the goal, preventing a certain score. ### 10. most important adjective · CEFR B1 the most important or highest in rank. For teachers: principal or most important in rank or status. Usually placed before the noun. - The head chef is responsible for everything that happens in the kitchen. - The head office issued a statement clarifying the company's position on the recent environmental legislation. ## Examples - She nodded her head in agreement. - He is the head of the marketing department at a large company. - The river's head is a small spring high in the mountains, from which it gathers strength on its long journey to the sea. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.