What does headdress mean?
A headdress is a covering or ornament worn on the head, usually one distinguished by its decoration, cultural significance, or ceremonial role. The word is more specific than “hat” and often evokes elaborate, traditional, or status-associated headwear, such as a crown, feathered ceremonial covering, or beaded costume piece. It can also refer more generally to any ornamental arrangement designed to cover or adorn the head. In modern English, it appears especially in discussions of historical dress, cultural traditions, royal or religious regalia, festivals, and performance costume. Although “headdress” is encountered in both British and American English, particular objects described by it may belong to particular regions or cultures. The term is generally countable, with the regular plural “headdresses,” and is useful when a writer wants to emphasize an item’s decorative or formal character rather than simply call it a hat.
nounA covering or decorative item worn on the head, especially one associated with a particular culture, status, role, or ceremonial occasion.
- A covering or decorative item worn on the head, especially one used for ceremonial, traditional, or status-marking purposes.
"The dancer adjusted her elaborate beaded headdress before the performance."
"The queen wore a jeweled headdress during the ceremony."
"The museum display featured an intricately woven headdress from West Africa."
The standard plural adds “-es” to the final “s.”
"The collection includes several feathered headdresses from different traditions."
A “dress” in headdress does not mean a frock—it means attire or a covering, making the word essentially “head-cover.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headdress come from?
Headdress is an English compound formed from “head” and “dress,” originally written “head-dress.” “Head” descends from Old English hēafod, while “dress” was borrowed into Middle English from Old French dres in the broad sense of clothing or attire. The compound developed during the early modern period; related English formations such as “headgear” and “headpiece” similarly combine “head” with a term for a covering or item.
How headdress is actually used
Usually countable and typically more specific than “hat.” It often suggests an ornate, ceremonial, traditional, or performance-related covering rather than everyday headwear.
Easily confused with headdress
A headdress is worn on the head, whereas a header is text or another element appearing at the top of a page, document, or message.