loggerhead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “loggerhead” mean?
A state of conflict, dispute, or disagreement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of conflict, dispute, or disagreement; also historically a type of large-headed turtle.
Primarily used in the idiom 'at loggerheads,' meaning in strong disagreement or dispute. The original noun referred to a thick-headed person, a blockhead, a type of iron tool, or the loggerhead sea turtle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage of the idiom 'at loggerheads.' The noun form for the turtle (loggerhead turtle) is equally known in both varieties.
Connotations
The idiom carries the same formal, slightly journalistic connotation in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
The idiom 'at loggerheads' is of low-medium frequency in both varieties, found more in news and formal writing than casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “loggerhead” in a Sentence
[Person/Group A] + be/remain + at loggerheads + with + [Person/Group B] + over + [Issue]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loggerhead” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe management and unions, or departments, in a persistent disagreement.
Academic
Used in political science or history to describe factions or nations in a stalemate.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used to describe serious, ongoing family or neighbour disputes.
Technical
In marine biology: 'Caretta caretta,' the loggerhead sea turtle.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loggerhead”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loggerhead”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loggerhead”
- Using 'loggerhead' as a singular countable noun to mean 'a dispute' (e.g., 'They had a loggerhead'). Incorrect preposition (e.g., 'on loggerheads' instead of 'at loggerheads').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern English it is almost never used outside the fixed phrase 'at loggerheads.' The standalone noun meanings (fool, turtle, tool) are archaic or highly specialized.
It likely originates from the late 17th century, referring to 'loggerhead' meaning 'a stupid person' or 'blockhead.' Being 'at loggerheads' meant engaging in a dispute with such a person. Another theory links it to a 'loggerhead' as a long-handled iron tool used for heating liquids, suggesting a confrontation where these could be used as weapons.
Yes, in the idiom 'at loggerheads,' the word is exclusively used in the plural form.
The idiom 'at loggerheads' is not common in everyday casual speech but is frequently used in formal writing, journalism, and political commentary to describe serious or entrenched disputes.
A state of conflict, dispute, or disagreement.
Loggerhead is usually formal/idiomatic in register.
Loggerhead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒɡəhed/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːɡərhed/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at loggerheads (with someone over something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two LOGgers hitting each other over the HEAD with logs because they can't agree on how to chop wood.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISAGREEMENT IS PHYSICAL CONFLICT/CONFRONTATION (heads locked together, butting heads).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern use of 'loggerhead'?