redhead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, but standard. Slightly less common in formal registers, where descriptive phrases like 'a person with red hair' might be used.
Quick answer
What does “redhead” mean?
A person, typically a woman or girl, with red hair.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, typically a woman or girl, with red hair.
A person with red hair. In ornithology, the redhead is a North American diving duck (Aythya americana) with a reddish-brown head.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The ornithological reference is more common in North America where the bird is native. 'Ginger' is a more common informal synonym in British English.
Connotations
In British English, 'ginger' can carry slightly more pejorative potential in certain contexts (e.g., schoolyard taunts). 'Redhead' is generally seen as more neutral in American English.
Frequency
Comparably frequent, though 'ginger' may be more frequent in casual UK speech.
Grammar
How to Use “redhead” in a Sentence
[determiner] + redheadthe + adjective + redheadredhead + verbredhead + from + placeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redhead” 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
Rare unless describing a person in a non-discriminatory context (e.g., 'the redhead from the marketing department').
Academic
Rare in formal writing except in sociological/ anthropological studies on stereotypes or genetics. Common in ornithology for the duck species.
Everyday
Very common as a descriptive term for people.
Technical
Primarily used in ornithology for Aythya americana.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redhead”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redhead”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'She is redhead' instead of 'She is a redhead' or 'She has red hair').
- Misspelling as 'red head' (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered a neutral, descriptive term. However, like any label based on appearance, context and tone matter. Some individuals may prefer 'person with red hair'. Terms like 'ginger' can be more contentious.
Yes, it can refer to any person with red hair, regardless of gender. However, in common usage, it is often associated with women. For men, 'red-haired man' is sometimes used for clarity.
'Ginger' is a common informal synonym in British and Irish English, while 'redhead' is standard in American English. 'Ginger' can sometimes carry more specific cultural connotations or, in certain contexts, be used pejoratively.
It is a single, closed compound word: 'redhead'. Writing it as 'red head' is incorrect for the meaning 'person with red hair', though 'red head' could be used literally for a head that is coloured red (e.g., a toy).
A person, typically a woman or girl, with red hair.
Redhead is usually informal, but standard. slightly less common in formal registers, where descriptive phrases like 'a person with red hair' might be used. in register.
Redhead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdhɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdˌhɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Redheads have fiery tempers. (stereotype/cliché)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEAD of hair that is the colour RED = REDHEAD.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR COLOUR STANDS FOR THE PERSON (Synecdoche).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'redhead' used as a technical term for a specific species?