heady

[hed-ee]

adjective

headier, headiest 

1. intoxicating.

   a heady wine.

2. affecting the mind or senses greatly.

   heady perfume.

3. exciting; exhilarating.

   the heady news of victory.

   Synonyms: stirring, thrilling
   Antonyms: disappointing, depressing

4. rashly impetuous.

   heady conduct.

5. violent; destructive.

   heady winds.

6. clever; shrewd.

   a heady scheme to win the election.

heady

/ ˈhɛdɪ /

adjective

1. (of alcoholic drink) intoxicating

2. strongly affecting the mind or senses; extremely exciting

3. rash; impetuous

Other Word Forms

• headily adverb
• headiness noun
• overheadiness noun
• overheady adjective
• unheady adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heady¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, heady is from the Middle English word hevedy, hedy. See head, -y ¹

Example Sentences

Pulling in front of the AI pack—on its own terms—justifies Alphabet’s headier valuation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is scheduled to open in Los Angeles—another signal event in the return of the heady transports of fantasy illustration to critical and popular esteem.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To add to the heady mix of uncertainty, Greece are out of contention and their head coach, Ivan Jovanovic, is under pressure.

Read more on BBC

The pomegranates, squash and apples were in season, pink guavas were so ripe you could smell their heady scent from a distance, and nutrient-packed yams were ready for the holidays.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Those are some heady gains to digest, even when the backdrop remains healthy,” Kenwell said.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• exciting 
• exhilarating 
• potent