noun

skinhead

SKIHN-hehd

Skinhead (noun) means a person with a shaved or very closely cropped head. Example: “The recruit showed up looking like a skinhead after basic training.”

noun

A person with a shaved or very closely cropped head.

"The recruit showed up looking like a skinhead after basic training."

A member of a subculture originating in working-class England in the late 1960s, marked by shaved heads and a distinct style, sometimes linked to far-right or racist movements.

"The documentary traced the skinhead movement from its music roots to its later political splits."

How to use skinhead

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone with a shaved head, or a member of a specific youth subculture that started in Britain.

When to use it

The subculture sense can carry strong political or offensive associations depending on context — use carefully.

Word forms

skinheads plural

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The recruit showed up looking like a _____ after basic training.

Etymology

A compound of "skin" and "head," describing the closely shaved hairstyle.

Rhymes for skinhead

head read lead dead bead mead bread plead tread ahead dread knead

See all rhymes for skinhead →

Frequently asked questions

What does “skinhead” mean?

The word “skinhead” means a person with a shaved or very closely cropped head. In plain terms, someone with a shaved head, or a member of a specific youth subculture that started in Britain.

How do you pronounce “skinhead”?

“Skinhead” is pronounced SKIHN-hehd (/ˈskɪn.hɛd/ in IPA).

How do you use “skinhead” in a sentence?

Here is “skinhead” used in a sentence: “The recruit showed up looking like a skinhead after basic training.”

What part of speech is “skinhead”?

“Skinhead” is a noun.

How many meanings does “skinhead” have?

“Skinhead” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person with a shaved or very closely cropped head.