Lightheaded means feeling dizzy, faint, or unsteady, as if your head has become light and floaty. When you're lightheaded, the room might seem to spin slightly, or you might feel like you need to sit down before you fall.

People often feel lightheaded when they stand up too quickly after lying down, because blood flow to their brain changes for a moment. You might also feel lightheaded if you're sick with a fever, haven't eaten in a long time, or if you've been spinning around in circles. Sometimes holding your breath too long or breathing too fast can make you lightheaded.

The feeling usually passes quickly once you sit down, rest, or drink some water. If you feel lightheaded at school, tell a teacher so you can rest safely until the feeling goes away. The word captures that specific sensation of feeling off-balance and woozy, like your head isn't quite connected to the rest of your body in the normal way.