Phillips head

American  

noun

1. a screw head having two partial slots crossed at right angles, driven by a special screwdriver Phillips screwdriver.

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Other Word Forms

• Phillips-head adjective

Etymology

Origin of Phillips head

First recorded in 1930–35; after trademark Phillips Screws

Example Sentences

Adam Phillips, head of investments at EP Wealth, said his firm’s investment committee has been discussing allocating more money to foreign stocks.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

Paula Phillips, head teacher of East Wichel Primary School in Swindon, said the school made the decision to change to an active uniform a few years ago.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

“Also, what screws should it use — flat head, Phillips head or hex nut?”

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2022

The RX 6800’s backplate, with exposed Phillips head screws.

From The Verge • Nov. 18, 2020

“When you’re making a space prop, and it’s from some alien race or something like that, you can’t use hardware you bought at Lowe’s, a Phillips head screw or something like that,” Spivey says.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2018