adv
headlong
HEHD-long
Headlong (adv) means Head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed. Example: “He dove headlong into the pool without checking the depth.”
adv
1
Head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed.
"He dove headlong into the pool without checking the depth."
"The company rushed headlong into the deal without doing its research."
adj
1
Rash, hasty, or plunging forward without thinking things through.
"Her headlong decision to quit surprised everyone at the office."
How to use headlong
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRushing forward carelessly or at full speed, without stopping to think.
Common pairings
rush headlong
plunge headlong
headlong rush
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- headlongs
- Past tense
- headlonged
- Comparative
- more headlong
- Superlative
- most headlong
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He dove _____ into the pool without checking the depth.
Etymology
From Middle English hedlong, an old form reshaped by association with the word long, ultimately tied to head.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “headlong” mean?
The word “headlong” means head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed. In plain terms, rushing forward carelessly or at full speed, without stopping to think.
How do you pronounce “headlong”?
“Headlong” is pronounced HEHD-long (/ˈhɛd.lɔŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “headlong” in a sentence?
Here is “headlong” used in a sentence: “He dove headlong into the pool without checking the depth.”
What is the opposite of “headlong”?
The opposite of “headlong” — its antonyms — is arselong.
What part of speech is “headlong”?
Depending on how it is used, “headlong” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “headlong” come from?
The word “headlong” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hedlong, an old form reshaped by association with the word long, ultimately tied to head.
How many meanings does “headlong” have?
“Headlong” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: head first, or with reckless, unrestrained speed.
