headmaster

American  

[hed-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈhɛdˈmæs tər, -ˈmɑ stər /

noun

1. the person in charge of a private school.

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headmaster British  

/ ˌhɛdˈmɑːstə /

noun

1. Gender-neutral form: head teacher.  a male principal of a school

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Other Word Forms

• headmastership noun

Etymology

Origin of headmaster

First recorded in 1570–80; head + master

Example Sentences

She approached the headmaster at her conservatory who placed her in a string ensemble before advancing her to the symphony orchestra as a violinist.

From Los Angeles Times

Christian San José, headmaster at Wycliffe College based in Stonehouse, said the school is "in a position to be able to offer places in all year groups" to Rendcomb pupils.

From BBC

Founders’ headmaster Jason Caros rejects the allegation of “Christian nationalism” but argues that there is much to be said for those traditional values, pedagogy and curriculum.

From The Wall Street Journal

The headmaster at the time noticed his natural talent and eventually encouraged him to devote more of his energy to developing that gift.

From BBC

Collins, born in 1940, was raised near Liverpool by a schoolteacher mother and a headmaster father.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• principal
• superintendent