ENGLISH
REFERENCE

headmaster

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɛdˈmæstɝ// UK //hɛdmˈɑːstɐ// head·mas·ter

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From head + master.

Usage

Commonly used in British English; the female equivalent is 'headmistress', though 'headteacher' is now a more common gender-neutral alternative.

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