headmaster

1 of 2

noun (1)

head·​mas·​ter ˈhed-ˌma-stər How to pronounce headmaster (audio)
-ˈma-
Synonyms of headmasternext
: a man heading the staff of a private school : principal
headmasterly
ˈhed-ˌma-stər-lē How to pronounce headmaster (audio)
-ˈma-
adjective
headmastership
ˈhed-ˌma-stər-ˌship How to pronounce headmaster (audio)
-ˈma-
noun

headmastership

2 of 2

noun (2)

head·​mas·​ter·​ship -ˌship How to pronounce headmastership (audio)
: the post of a headmaster

Examples of headmaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As the school grows, Solum said, the board hopes to hire a headmaster. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 By the end of the school year, the headmaster sent a letter home suggesting Hart pursue his high school career elsewhere. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 The chapter recently held an alumni meeting at the residence of the headmaster of a local private high school. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2026 In the show, Morrissey plays headmaster Michael Polly, who becomes the chief suspect when his wife goes missing and who remains inscrutable for most of the six episodes. — Simon Button, Variety, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headmaster

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1576, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headmaster was in 1576

Rhymes for headmaster

See All Rhymes for headmaster

Browse Nearby Words

headmark
headmaster
headmasterly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headmaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headmaster. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

headmaster

noun
head·​mas·​ter -ˌmas-tər How to pronounce headmaster (audio)
-ˈmas-
: a male head of a private school

More from Merriam-Webster on headmaster

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for headmaster

Nglish: Translation of headmaster for Spanish Speakers

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