headshot

American  

[hed-shot] / ˈhɛdˌʃɒt /

Or head shot

noun

1. a photograph of someone's face, especially a promotional photograph of a model, actor, or author.

2. mug shot.

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Etymology

Origin of headshot

First recorded in 1935–40; head ( def. ) + shot ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “photograph”)

Example Sentences

“I cannot continue my reelection campaign,” Adams humbly submitted on camera as he sat next to a large headshot of his late mother, with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” playing in the background.

From Slate • Sep. 29, 2025

Below is a photo of a young woman, a headshot that might have been taken in a studio.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2025

Reeve wasn’t the producers’ first pick, but the size of the actor’s neck in a headshot made them reconsider, hoping he could build himself up to fighting shape.

From Salon • Jul. 10, 2025

That now-famous headshot was taken by Watts’ brother, Ben, a photographer, who shot it for free.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2025

I needed to find a book that had a better picture of a great white to sketch than the headshot in Fred’s book.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen