pithead

[ pit-hed ]

noun

1. a mine entrance and the surrounding area.

pithead

/ ˈpɪtˌhɛd /

noun

1. the top of a mine shaft and the buildings, hoisting gear, etc, situated around it

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithead¹

First recorded in 1830–40; pit ¹ + head

Example Sentences

One of the quirkier lots sold included pithead gear from a working mineshaft built by Dibnah, bought by a man who wants to set it up at his property.

From BBC

It is better to burn it at the pithead and transport the electricity thus generated instead.

From Economist

Barnsley Main colliery eventually took over the workings of the Oaks Colliery, with the surviving engine house and the pithead structures Grade II listed.

From BBC

Van Gogh drew the pitheads, the simple homes, the miners' potato patches, even, after an underground visit, the coalface itself.

From Reuters

We drive on, though a flat landscape punctuated with slag heaps and pithead gear.

From Newsweek