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Definition of headmaster

headmaster

/ˈhɛdˌmæs.tɚ/
head · mas · ter
Plural:headmasters
•
Adjective:headmasterly
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headmaster Lexical Profile

headmaster Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A male educator who serves as the chief administrative officer or principal in charge of a school, especially a private or British school.

Example

"The headmaster addressed the students during the morning assembly in the main hall."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Primarily used in British and Commonwealth English, or in the context of private and boarding schools in North America, where 'principal' is the standard term for public school leaders.

• Nearby Words

headlock
headlong
headman
headmaster
headmasterly
headmastership
headmistress

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century as a compound of 'head' (from Old English 'heafod', meaning chief or leader) and 'master' (from Latin 'magister', meaning chief, director, or teacher).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headmaster. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headmaster
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