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

Cooper said Leslie would go head-to-head with some of the Lakers’ players during practice to give herself a bigger challenge and it was impressive to watch her hold her own.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 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

Hamilton is ahead 9-7 on the head-to-head in races where a fair comparison can be made, but Leclerc is actually slightly quicker on average by 0.053secs.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

On May 9, Ulbrickson held another head-to-head contest between the two boats.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown