headdress

noun

head·​dress ˈhed-ˌdres How to pronounce headdress (audio)
Synonyms of headdressnext
: an often elaborate covering for the head

Illustration of headdress

Illustration of headdress

Examples of headdress in a Sentence

The dancers wore ceremonial headdresses. most of the acrobats riding the horses and elephants wore some sort of fancy headdress
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Russian state media outlets shared images of the building’s marbled pillars and staircases as dancers, wearing kokoshniks, traditional Russian headdresses, performed. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 The king of the tribe, barely glimpsed under a hooded headdress, observes the appalling spectacle from a dais, as the ladies of his court—identically dressed in white skirts and ceremonial belts—are gathered at his side. James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 The reshaping of the skull was intended to alter a person’s appearance and emphasize headdresses and ornaments that would distinguish them from others later in life. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025 Scott built the headdresses from a collection of feathers. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for headdress

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headdress was in 1645

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headdress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headdress. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

headdress

noun
head·​dress ˈhed-ˌdres How to pronounce headdress (audio)
: a covering or ornament for the head

More from Merriam-Webster on headdress

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