hoofdwoord

Hoofdwoord is a term used in Dutch linguistics and lexicography to refer to the central word around which a phrase or dictionary entry is organized. It designates the core element that determines the structure and meaning of a larger unit.

In grammar, the hoofdwoord of a noun phrase is the noun that serves as the heart of the phrase. Determiners, adjectives, and other modifiers relate to and agree with this head noun. For example, in the Dutch phrase “grote auto,” the hoofdwoord is auto; “grote” acts as a modifier describing it. The head noun governs agreement in number and, when applicable, definiteness, while the surrounding words provide specification or description.

In lexicography, the hoofdwoord (headword) is the form under which a word’s dictionary entry is organized and alphabetized. The headword is typically the lemma or infinitive form. Other inflected or derived forms are shown under that headword. For instance, the Dutch headword for the verb is lopen, with forms such as loopt, liep,gelopen listed under it. For nouns, the headword is usually the singular form, with plural forms and other variants documented within the same entry.

The concept of hoofdwoord helps explain how phrases are built and how reference works are structured. It is used both in everyday grammar descriptions and in formal lexicographic conventions to identify the principal word that anchors a phrase or entry.