lightheaded

American  

[lahyt-hed-id] / ˈlaɪtˈhɛd ɪd /

adjective

1. giddy, dizzy, or delirious.

   After two drinks Pat began to feel lightheaded.

2. having or showing a frivolous or volatile disposition; thoughtless.

   lightheaded persons.

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Other Word Forms

• lightheadedly adverb
• lightheadedness noun

Etymology

Origin of lightheaded

First recorded in 1530–40; light ² + head + -ed ³

Explanation

If you're lightheaded, you're dizzy and faint, and you might need to sit down for a minute. The sight of enormous spiders makes some people feel lightheaded. Standing up quickly can make you lightheaded, and you can also make yourself lightheaded by forgetting to eat lunch or blowing up a huge balloon with one breath. Being lightheaded, while usually not a serious condition, is typically caused by a temporary shortage of oxygen or blood getting to the brain. The word dates from the sixteenth century.

Example Sentences

He came out woozy and lightheaded, temporarily losing 22% of his lung power, and coughed for a month.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Mrs Chesterton told the BBC that her daughter had "difficulty walking" and "was breathless and lightheaded".

From BBC • May 14, 2025

People can also feel lightheaded or faint during removal.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2024

“I was so lightheaded from screaming that I almost fainted,” the 26-year-old told NBC in a phone interview.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2024

She felt suddenly lightheaded, and would not let go of Simon’s hand.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood