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

Both teams have two games remaining and the Lakers have the head-to-head tiebreaker.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The company’s service expansion in the Bay Area is the latest example of how tech companies and retailers are competing head-to-head to speed up delivery and rope in more customers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

"We can't wait for another head-to-head with one of the best teams in the world," England and Exeter's Maddie Feaunati said about the game against Canada.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

The firm’s goal was never to go head-to-head with Bloomberg, said Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

In the midst of this upheaval, Pepsi began running television commercials around the country, pitting Coke head-to-head with Pepsi in what they called the Pepsi Challenge.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell