Word
headmaster
Phoneticshead·mas·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɛdˈmæstɝ/
UK/hɛdmˈɑːstɐ/
Countable noun Education
Definition
n. the person in charge of a school, especially a private school. This title is usually used for a man.
n. the male principal or senior administrative leader of a school, particularly within the British or private education systems.
Examples
“The headmaster gave a speech at the morning assembly.”
“Parents requested a meeting with the headmaster to discuss the new school uniform policy.”
“The headmaster maintained a strict but fair reputation, ensuring that both the academic standards and the moral character of the students remained high throughout his long tenure.”
Examples
simple
“The headmaster gave a speech at the morning assembly.”
contextual
“Parents requested a meeting with the headmaster to discuss the new school uniform policy.”
complex
“The headmaster maintained a strict but fair reputation, ensuring that both the academic standards and the moral character of the students remained high throughout his long tenure.”
Usage
Commonly used in British English; the female equivalent is 'headmistress', though 'headteacher' is now a more common gender-neutral alternative.
Etymology
From head + master.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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