Search Dictionary
Definition of headrest

headrest

/ˈhɛd.rɛst/
head · rest

Plural:headrests
JUMP TO:

headrest Lexical Profile

headrest Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A padded cushion or support attached to the top of a seat back, designed to support a person's head and prevent neck injury, particularly in vehicles.

Example

"She adjusted the headrest in her car before starting the long drive to ensure her neck was properly supported."


2

An attachment on a specialized chair, such as a dental or barber chair, designed to keep a person's head steady during a procedure.

Example

"The dentist tilted the chair back and asked the patient to lean comfortably against the headrest."

• Rhymes for headrest

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'head' (from Old English 'heafod') and 'rest' (from Old English 'ræst'). It emerged in the mid-19th century, originally referring to the iron stands used by early photographers to keep subjects' heads still during long exposures, and later became standard terminology for vehicle safety features in the 20th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Headrest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/headrest
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.
Dictionary & Reference
© 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.