1
: words set at the head of a passage or page to introduce or categorize
2
a
: a head of a newspaper story or article usually printed in large type and giving the gist of the story or article that follows
b
headlines plural
: front-page news
the scandal made headlines
headlined; headlining; headlines
1
: to provide with a headline
2
: to publicize highly
3
: to be engaged as a leading performer in (a show)
: deserving mention in a headline : very noteworthy
the headline abduction of a diplomat
Examples of headline in a Sentence
Noun
The story of his arrest appeared beneath the headline “Caught!”.
She only had time to scan the headlines before she had to rush out the door.
Surprising developments have kept the murder investigation in the headlines for several weeks.
She has grabbed the headlines by making public accusations of corruption within the government.
Verb
The band is headlining the music festival.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Trending on Billboard Carpenter made headlines last Halloween when just weeks after filming the visual inside Brooklyn’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish Church in Williamsburg led to the demotion of Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2024
Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Peters has worked with Murphy on a number of different projects, including multiple seasons of American Horror Story and headlining Dahmer: Monster — The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 30 Sep. 2024
WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline 
Noun
In the same skit, Yang also mentioned Chappell Roan’s struggles with fame, as the outspoken star has made headlines after pushing back against intrusive, obsessive fans on TikTok, then sparked backlash after refusing to make a political endorsement during this election year.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Trending on Billboard Carpenter made headlines last Halloween when just weeks after filming the visual inside Brooklyn’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish Church in Williamsburg led to the demotion of Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
Revelry Cannabis Festival, headlined by rapper Joey Bada$$, is set to deliver a unique NYC cannabis cultural experience this weekend.
—Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024
Peters has worked with Murphy on a number of different projects, including multiple seasons of American Horror Story and headlining Dahmer: Monster — The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
—Nick Romano, EW.com, 30 Sep. 2024
Adjective
The preliminary estimate for headline German inflation, due for release at 1300 GMT, is expected to fall to 3.5% in November from 3.8% in October, measured according to national standards.
—WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'headline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
headline
1 of 2 noun
head·line
-ˌlīn 
1
: a line at the top of a page (as in a book) giving a heading
2
: the title over an item or article in a newspaper
headline
2 of 2 verb1
: to provide with a headline
2
: to publicize highly
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