LIGHT-HEADED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does light-headed mean? 

• LIGHT-HEADED (adjective)
  The adjective LIGHT-HEADED has 2 senses:

1. weak and likely to lose consciousness

2. lacking seriousness; given to frivolity

  Familiarity information: LIGHT-HEADED used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• LIGHT-HEADED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Weak and likely to lose consciousness

Synonyms:

faint; light; light-headed; lightheaded; swooning

Context example:

light-headed from lack of sleep

Similar:

ill; sick (affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Lacking seriousness; given to frivolity

Synonyms:

airheaded; dizzy; empty-headed; featherbrained; giddy; light-headed; lightheaded; silly

Context example:

silly giggles

Similar:

frivolous (not serious in content or attitude or behavior)

 Context examples 

He did not know what he was talking of, I dare say; ten to one but he was light-headed at the time.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

There are times when I am light-headed from want of sleep, times when death, with its rest and sleep, is a positive lure to me, times when I am haunted by Longfellow's lines: Of course, this is sheer nonsense.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“Not light-headed?” said my aunt.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

The evening had made me light-headed and happy; I think I walked into a deep sleep as I entered my front door.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)