headstock

noun

head·​stock ˈhed-ˌstäk How to pronounce headstock (audio)
: a bearing or pedestal for a revolving or moving part
specifically : a part of a lathe that holds the revolving spindle and its attachments

Examples of headstock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Stratocaster sees many changes from year to year, including varying amounts of contouring on the body, materials used for the control knobs, pick guard, headstock shape, serial number placement, etc. — Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 2 Jan. 2025 Additional features include a two-point steel tremolo, synthetic bone nut, vintage-style tuners and the PRS double-acting truss rod that’s accessible from the front of the headstock. — Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1688, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headstock was in 1688

Rhymes for headstock

See All Rhymes for headstock

Browse Nearby Words

headstick
headstock
headstone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headstock. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All