Word
headmistress
Phoneticshead·mistress
US/ˈhɛdˌmɪstɹəs/
UK/hɛdmˈɪstɹəs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a woman who is in charge of a school. She is the most senior teacher and manages the staff and students.
n. a female principal or head teacher of a school. The term is gender-specific and is increasingly replaced by the gender-neutral 'head teacher' or 'principal' in many modern educational systems.
Examples
“The headmistress gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.”
“After twenty years of service, the headmistress retired and was celebrated by generations of former students.”
“The headmistress maintained a delicate balance between traditional academic standards and the need for modern technological integration within the curriculum.”
Examples
simple
“The headmistress gave a speech at the graduation ceremony.”
contextual
“After twenty years of service, the headmistress retired and was celebrated by generations of former students.”
complex
“The headmistress maintained a delicate balance between traditional academic standards and the need for modern technological integration within the curriculum.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “headmistress” in context.
Verb
01. appoint headmistress
“The governors met last night to appoint a new headmistress for the girls' college.”
verb + noun
02. headmistress manages
“The headmistress manages both the academic curriculum and the school budget.”
noun + verb
03. headmistress presides
“The headmistress presides over the morning assembly every Monday.”
noun + verb
04. succeed headmistress
“She was chosen to succeed the retiring headmistress at the end of the summer term.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. acting headmistress
“Mrs. Gable served as acting headmistress while the board searched for a permanent replacement.”
adj + noun
06. former headmistress
“The former headmistress attended the school's centenary celebrations as a guest of honor.”
adj + noun
07. incoming headmistress
“The incoming headmistress plans to modernize the school's digital infrastructure.”
adj + noun
08. strict headmistress
“The students were terrified of the strict headmistress and her rigid rules.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. office of headmistress
“Please report to the office of the headmistress immediately.”
noun + prep + noun
10. role of headmistress
“The role of headmistress requires excellent leadership and communication skills.”
noun + prep + noun
11. consult with the headmistress
“Parents are encouraged to consult with the headmistress about their child's progress.”
12. report to the headmistress
“All staff members must report to the headmistress regarding disciplinary issues.”
Usage
Commonly used in British English and in private or independent school contexts; 'head teacher' is the more frequent gender-neutral alternative.
Real-World Examples
“Headmistress Elise Mesnage shared that the school is prioritizing a more relaxed schedule, along with frequent hydration breaks for both teachers and students to combat the heat.” “The mother of a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by her educator in the 1970s has stated that the headmistress of the school was "very eager for nothing to be done" following her report of the supposed incident.” “On Wednesday, authorities apprehended the headmistress of a school in Bihar, where 23 children tragically passed away after consuming a meal tainted with pesticide, marking one of the most severe food poisoning incidents in recent years.” “The headmistress of a Wiltshire school who went back to work just seven hours after giving birth believes her baby is benefitting from being in 'the office' with her.” Etymology
Compound of head + mistress.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- 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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