ENGLISH
REFERENCE

heads

n.
US //ˈhɛdz// UK //hˈɛdz// heads
  1. 1 plural of head (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The two heads of the departments met to discuss the new budget.

    Example

    The hydra was a mythical beast that grew two new heads every time one was severed by a hero.

  2. 2 side of a coin (n.)
    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.

    Example

    I chose heads, but the coin landed on tails so I lost the bet.

    Example

    To decide who would kick off the match, the referee tossed a silver coin and asked the captains to call heads or tails.
    • obverse
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  1. 3 ship's toilet (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical nautical

    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.

    Example

    The captain showed the new sailors where the heads were located.

    Example

    Life on the vintage schooner was difficult, as the heads were cramped and frequently required manual pumping to function.
  2. 4 legal draft (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Dialect Law

    the main points of a new law before it is officially written.

    the general principles or outline of a proposed piece of legislation.

    Example

    The government published the heads of the bill to get public feedback.

    Example

    The cabinet spent several hours debating the heads of the new environmental bill before sending it to the drafting office.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to Irish legal and parliamentary English.
Etymology 1

Plural of head.

Etymology 2

From head (from the notion that it gives a head high) + -s (possibly either genitive or plural).

Idioms5 entries

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