deadhead

/ˈdɛdˌhɛd/
verb
  1. To remove dead or faded flowers from a plant to encourage new growth.
    • The gardener taught me how to deadhead daisies properly.
    • She spent the morning deadheading the roses in her garden.
    • If you deadhead your petunias regularly, they will bloom all summer.
  2. To travel as a passenger on a train, bus, or airplane without paying (often used for employees or pass holders).
    • The train conductor was allowed to deadhead on any route for free.
    • He deadheaded from Chicago to New York using his employee pass.
    • Airline staff often deadhead to other cities when they are off duty.
  3. To drive an empty truck or other vehicle, especially when returning from a delivery.
    • After dropping off the cargo, the driver had to deadhead back to the depot.
    • The company tries to avoid deadheading because it wastes fuel.
    • He deadheaded for 200 miles with an empty trailer.
Synonyms
noun
  1. A person who is a fan of the rock band the Grateful Dead.
    • My uncle is a lifelong Deadhead and has seen over 100 concerts.
    • Deadheads are known for their colorful tie-dye shirts and friendly community.
    • The parking lot was full of Deadheads following the band on tour.
  2. A person who travels without paying (e.g., on a train or bus).
    • The conductor kicked the deadhead off the train at the next station.
    • The bus driver reported a deadhead riding in the back seat.
    • A few deadheads snuck onto the ferry without tickets.
  3. A dull or stupid person; someone who is not very smart.
    • Don't be such a deadhead — think before you act.
    • The movie's villain was a complete deadhead who made foolish decisions.
    • He called me a deadhead for forgetting my keys again.
What does "deadhead" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean