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Definition of headshake

headshake

/ˈhɛd.ʃeɪk/
head · shake
Plural:headshakes
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headshake Lexical Profile

headshake Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A lateral movement of the head from side to side, typically used as a nonverbal gesture to indicate negation, refusal, disapproval, or disbelief.

Example

"With a slight headshake, the judge signaled that the attorney's objection was overruled."

2

On a motorcycle, a rapid, unstable side-to-side oscillation of the handlebars and front wheel, often triggered by uneven pavement or sudden acceleration.

Example

"Installing a steering damper on the motorcycle helped eliminate the dangerous headshake at high speeds."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for headshake

• Nearby Words

headroom
headscarf
headset
headshake
headship
headshot
headshrinker

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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