Meaning & use
tighthead
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablesport
In rugby, the prop forward who packs down on the right side of the scrum, opposite the loosehead prop.
Grammar: Countable: 'a tighthead' or 'the tighthead'. Often used with 'prop': 'tighthead prop'.
Patterns
- play tighthead
- the tighthead prop
- a tighthead scrum
He plays tighthead for the national team.
The tighthead prop is crucial for scrum stability.
They brought on a new tighthead in the second half.
adjectivebefore a nounsport
Relating to the right side of the scrum in rugby, especially the position of the prop forward.
Grammar: Used before a noun: 'tighthead prop', 'tighthead side'.
Patterns
- tighthead prop
- tighthead side
- tighthead position
The tighthead prop has to be very strong.
He was selected in the tighthead position.
The tighthead side of the scrum took the pressure.
Word forms
| plural | tightheads |
|---|
Common combinations
- tighthead prop
- The tighthead prop anchors the scrum.
- play tighthead
- He has played tighthead for five years.
- tighthead side
- The tighthead side of the scrum is under strain.
- convert to tighthead
- The coach converted him from loosehead to tighthead.
Synonyms and how they differ
- prop
- Prop is the general term for both the tighthead and loosehead positions; tighthead is more specific.
Opposites
Word family
- loosehead noun
- The prop on the left side of the scrum, opposite the tighthead.
Commonly confused: tighthead or tight head?
tighthead vs tight head
Written as two words, 'tight head' could mean a headache or a literal tight head; the rugby term is one word.
Practice
In rugby, what is a 'tighthead'?
Choose one answer.
A tighthead is the prop forward on the right side of the scrum. The other options describe different rugby roles or equipment.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “tighthead”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.