heads
- 01 A1 Beginner
more than one head, or the top parts of several things.
the plural form of head, referring to multiple anatomical heads or the upper parts of objects.
Simple“The two heads of the departments met to discuss the new budget.”
In context“The hydra was a mythical beast that grew two new heads every time one was severed by a hero.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
the side of a coin that usually has a person's face on it.
the obverse side of a coin, typically featuring a portrait or emblem.
Simple“I chose heads, but the coin landed on tails so I lost the bet.”
In context“To decide who would kick off the match, the referee tossed a silver coin and asked the captains to call heads or tails.”
SynonymsobverseAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the name for a toilet on a boat or ship.
the latrine or lavatory on a vessel, originally located at the bow or 'head' of the ship.
Simple“The captain showed the new sailors where the heads were located.”
In context“Life on the vintage schooner was difficult, as the heads were cramped and frequently required manual pumping to function.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
the main points of a new law before it is officially written.
the general principles or outline of a proposed piece of legislation.
Simple“The government published the heads of the bill to get public feedback.”
In context“The cabinet spent several hours debating the heads of the new environmental bill before sending it to the drafting office.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to Irish legal and parliamentary English.
Plural of head.
From head (from the notion that it gives a head high) + -s (possibly either genitive or plural).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.