deadheading
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdɛdˌhɛdɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdɛdˌhɛdɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The process of cutting off dead flowers from a plant to help it grow new flowers and stop it from making seeds.
Example
Deadheading the roses will help them bloom more beautifully this summer.
Conversation
Hey, have you ever tried deadheading your flowers?
No, I haven't. What does that involve?
It's just removing the dead blooms to help them grow better.
That sounds easy! I should definitely give deadheading a try.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pruning
trimming
clearing
Antonyms
neglect
overgrowth
abundance
verb
Definition
The act of removing dead flowers or spent blooms from a plant to encourage new growth and improve its appearance.
Example
She spent the afternoon deadheading the roses in her garden.
Tense Forms
Past: deadheaded
Past Participle: deadheaded
Conversation
Have you ever tried deadheading your flowers in the garden?
No, I haven't! What exactly does that involve?
It's when you remove the faded blooms to encourage new growth.
Root Explanation
Deadheading is formed from "dead" (from Old English "dead", meaning no longer alive) and "heading" (from the verb "to head", meaning to remove the top or cut off). The term refers to the practice of removing dead flowers from plants to encourage new growth.
Memory Tip
Think of 'dead' meaning no longer alive and 'heading' as cutting off the top — deadheading means cutting off the dead parts to promote new life.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.