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
Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
Here are the sectors worth watching as the headlines on trade negotiations start to roll in.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
The Beach Fest is expected to draw thousands and will feature the signature blend of surf contests, live music headlined by the Grammy award-winning rock band Switchfoot, special musical guests, brand activations, and vendor booths.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
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
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Noun
Most likely, the headlines are created by artificial intelligence to drive traffic to a website, Feigenbaum said.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 11 May 2025
Here are the sectors worth watching as the headlines on trade negotiations start to roll in.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
Verb
Congress, run by Democrats, gleefully obliged, and the tax-rate increases headlined by a hike at the top came later in the year.
—Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
The Beach Fest is expected to draw thousands and will feature the signature blend of surf contests, live music headlined by the Grammy award-winning rock band Switchfoot, special musical guests, brand activations, and vendor booths.
—Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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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