headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

1

: unplowed land at the ends of furrows or near a fence

2

: a point of usually high land jutting out into a body of water : promontory

Synonyms

• ness
• point
• promontory

Examples of headland in a Sentence

the lighthouse, situated on a narrow, rocky headland, commands an expansive view of the coast

navigation is notoriously difficult at the southernmost tip of South America, where ships must round the headland of Cape Horn

Recent Examples on the Web

Full disclosure: My exposure to the Buzz began driving from down San Francisco’s automotive Mobius strip — the infinitely twisty Lombard Street — and continued around the city, across the Golden Gate Bridge, into the Marin headlands and beyond. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024

Travelers walk on warm sand towards sacred headlands, overlook the Coral Sea, and nibble on bushfood. —Riley Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2024

Out of nowhere, the headland came with one huge stride, and was right on top of them. —Tomas Tranströmer, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

The Point Reyes seashore includes 80 miles of shoreline and stunning views from the rocky headlands. —Food Drink Life, Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

headland

noun

head·​land ˈhed-lənd 

-ˌland

: a point of land sticking out into the sea : promontory