Definition

Noun: 1. A narrow area of high land that extends out into a body of water, especially the sea; a promontory. This is the primary geographical meaning, referring to a point of land, often rocky and elevated, that juts out from a coastline. 2. (Agriculture) A strip of unplowed land at the end of a field or between furrows. This is a technical farming term for the land at the edge of a field where machinery turns.

Usage and Examples

• Geographical Feature:
  • The lighthouse was built on the headland to warn ships of the dangerous rocks.
  • We hiked to the top of the headland for a spectacular view of the ocean.
• Agricultural Term:
  • The farmer left a wide headland for the tractor to turn around.
  • Weeds often grow on the headlands of the field.

Advanced Usage

• "Stand on the headland": To be in a position overlooking the sea from a promontory.
  • They stood on the windswept headland, watching the storm approach.
• In literature and description, "headland" often evokes imagery of isolation, rugged beauty, or a vantage point.
  • The novel's opening scene is set on a lonely headland battered by waves.

Variants and Related Words

• Promontory (noun): A synonym for the geographical feature; a point of high land jutting out into the sea.
• Cape (noun): A larger or more prominent point of land extending into a body of water.
• Foreland (noun): A headland or promontory.
• Cliff (noun): A steep rock face, often forming part of a headland.

Synonyms

• Promontory
• Point
• Bluff (especially a steep one)
• Ness (used in place names, e.g., Fife Ness)

Antonyms

• Bay: An indentation in a coastline, as opposed to a projecting point.
• Cove: A small, sheltered bay.
• Inlet: A small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river.

Notes on Meaning

The two meanings (geographical and agricultural) are distinct and context-dependent. The geographical meaning is far more common in general usage. In place names, "Head" is often used similarly (e.g., Beachy Head).

Noun

1. a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)