# headbutt

/ˈhɛdbʌt/ (US) · /hˈɛdbʌt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/headbutt
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

to hit someone or something hard using the top of your head. You usually see this in sports or fights when someone moves their head forward quickly to strike.

For teachers: to strike a person or object with the forehead or the top of the head. Often used in the context of physical altercations or specific contact sports.

## Examples

- He tried to headbutt the ball into the goal.
- The player was sent off the field after he attempted to headbutt an opponent during a heated argument.
- Security footage revealed the suspect leaning forward to headbutt the glass door in a desperate attempt to escape the building before the police arrived.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

---

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.