Search Dictionary
Definition of headlong

headlong

/ˈhɛdˌlɔːŋ/
head · long
JUMP TO:

headlong Lexical Profile

headlong Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely hasty, reckless, or done without prior thought or deliberation.

Example

"Their headlong rush to launch the software before testing was complete led to several technical failures."

2

Moving or plunging with the head foremost.

Example

"The acrobat executed a daring headlong dive into the safety net below."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for headlong
Antonyms
View all antonyms for headlong

• adverb

1

In a hasty, reckless, or impetuous manner; without pause or deliberation.

Example

"The company plunged headlong into the new market without conducting adequate research."

2

With the head foremost; headfirst.

Example

"He tripped over the exposed tree root and fell headlong into the bushes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for headlong
Antonyms
View all antonyms for headlong

• Nearby Words

headline
headliner
headlock
headlong
headman
headmaster
headmasterly

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'hedling' ('headfirst'), altered in the 16th century by folk-etymological association with the word 'long' (compare 'sidelong').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headlong. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headlong
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.