headrest

[ hed-rest ]

noun

1. a rest or support of any kind for the head. heads.
2. Also called head re·straint [hed, ri-streynt]. a padded part at the top of the back of a seat, especially in an automobile, to protect one's head heads against whiplash in a collision.

headrest

/ ˈhɛdˌrɛst /

noun

1. a support for the head, as on a dentist's chair or car seat

Word History and Origins

Origin of headrest¹

First recorded in 1850–55; head + rest ¹

Example Sentences

Then his headrest tore away and his seat began to bend toward the opening in the fuselage.

From Seattle Times

In the wake of the blowout, headrests in two seats adjacent to the opening were torn away.

From Los Angeles Times

Seats in that area showed signs of damage, including sheared oxygen masks, lost headrests and torquing.

From Los Angeles Times

The blowout ripped the headrests off some seats.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the victims returned fire and caused the grazing injury when the bullet went through the headrest of the thiefs’ getaway car, according to authorities.

From Washington Times

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