forehead

American  

[fawr-id, for-, fawr-hed, for-] / ˈfɔr ɪd, ˈfɒr-, ˈfɔrˌhɛd, ˈfɒr- /

noun

1. the part of the face above the eyebrows; brow.

2. the fore or front part of anything.

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forehead British  

/ ˈfɔːˌhɛd, ˈfɒrɪd /

noun

1. the part of the face between the natural hairline and the eyes, formed skeletally by the frontal bone of the skull; brow

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Etymology

Origin of forehead

before 1000; Middle English forehe ( v ) ed, Old English forhēafod. See fore-, head

Explanation

Your forehead is the top part of your face, just below your hairline and above your eyebrows. If you have long bangs, they cover up most of your forehead. You can also call your forehead your "brow." It's important for communication, since the forehead helps people express basic emotions — muscles in your forehead control the movement of your eyebrows, which help you express concern and anger, among other feelings. Forehead has the Old English roots fore, "the front part," and heafod, "top of the body," or "head."

Example Sentences

That afternoon in 2025, with his shellacked coif flapping against his bronzed forehead in the wind, the president held up hastily-assembled poster boards bearing the names of the world’s countries and territories.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

The fact that Nicky might as well have “weasel” tattooed on his forehead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Featuring illuminated eyes in the film, and with original wiring in the right socket, this particular C-3PO head boasts several unique features including a forehead antenna.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

The rock shattered the glass and led to a cut on R.T.’s forehead.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Katherine sighed, blowing the air out in a way that ruffled the hair on her forehead.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix