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

In Silicon Valley’s trial of the year, two top litigators and a no-nonsense federal judge have come head-to-head with the most important figures in artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

"In the head-to-head comparisons shown, the effect was in part even stronger than with a GLP-1-only drug."

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

The six larger parties have met at a series of head-to-head debates in the lead up to the Scottish Parliament election.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Jamey Millar, Novo’s executive vice president of U.S. operations, earlier told Barron’s that there was no head-to-head trial comparing the efficacy of Foundayo with the Wegovy pill.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

“Who wants to go head-to-head with our new champion, Rishi?”

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon