head-to-head

American  

[hed-tuh-hed] / ˈhɛd təˈhɛd /

adjective

1. in direct confrontation, opposition, or competition.

   a head-to-head battle between the two companies.

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head-to-head British  

adjective

1. in direct competition

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noun

1. a competition involving two people, teams, etc

Etymology

Origin of head-to-head

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

“They’re going to have to have a play in robotics for the consumer market, and that may that may cause them go more head-to-head with Tesla and others,” Reitzes said.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Now, Arm is going head-to-head with them by remaking itself as a chip designer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The firm’s goal was never to go head-to-head with Bloomberg, said Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The critical conference game will decide the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams that are separated by half a game in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

Ms, Wyman and Addie are also going head-to-head on this third-party business, of course.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe