head-to-head

American  

[hed-tuh-hed] / ˈhɛd təˈhɛd /

adjective

1. in direct confrontation, opposition, or competition.

   a head-to-head battle between the two companies.

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head-to-head British  

adjective

1. in direct competition

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noun

1. a competition involving two people, teams, etc

Etymology

Origin of head-to-head

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head-to-head

Despite defeat, Wales climbed to third in Nations League Group A4 courtesy of their head-to-head record against Norway after the Norwegians were beaten 2-1 in Portugal.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has bested Riley in both of their head-to-head meetings, too.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

In 1977, Dundee went head-to-head with Jerry Lawler at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, toppling “The King” and taking $2,000 of Lawler’s own money.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2026

Why it’s worth seeing: Grande fans know that in addition to her amazing pipes, she’s also a killer comedic talent with the ability to go head-to-head with the likes of Stiller.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

For the last twenty years, Coke has gone head-to-head with Pepsi with a product that taste tests say is inferior, and Coke is still the number one soft drink in the world.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell