head-to-head

[hed-tuh-hed]

adjective

1. in direct confrontation, opposition, or competition.

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

head-to-head

adjective

1. in direct competition

noun

1. a competition involving two people, teams, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of head-to-head¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Rival deputy leadership candidates Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell went head-to-head in a hustings at the very end of the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.

From BBC

The Dodgers have one remaining head-to-head matchup that really matters — against the Philadelphia Phillies.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers have one remaining head-to-head matchup that really matters — and that series starts Monday at Dodger Stadium, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

From Los Angeles Times

The five-time major champion, however, has a 9-5 advantage in their head-to-head record after Cincinnati and has won six of their past seven meetings.

From BBC

Because with no head-to-head matchups left between the Dodgers and Padres in the regular season, beating bad teams — and avoiding ugly losses like Friday’s — could dictate who ultimately wins the division.

From Los Angeles Times