A headpiece is something worn on the head, usually for decoration, ceremony, or to show someone's role or status. A crown is a headpiece that marks royalty. A bride might wear a delicate headpiece with flowers or jewels on her wedding day. In medieval times, knights wore metal headpieces called helmets to protect themselves in battle, while nobles wore elaborate headpieces decorated with feathers and gems to formal events.

The word can describe anything from a simple headband to an ornate headdress. Theater actors often wear headpieces as part of their costumes: a character playing a queen needs a royal headpiece, while someone playing a jester might wear a colorful headpiece with bells. In some cultures, traditional headpieces carry deep meaning and are worn during important ceremonies or celebrations.

You might also hear headpiece used to mean the part of a device that goes on or near your head, like the cushioned band of a pair of headphones that rests on top of your skull. But most commonly, it refers to decorative or ceremonial items that people wear to make a statement, honor a tradition, or complete a special outfit.