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
Melvin Backman, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
While the candidates were close in cookie numbers before this, sales of the Republican's have been well ahead since the bakery started to make headlines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Walz will headline a political event in Harrisburg, Pa., this morning.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Nov. 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 
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Noun
Experts believe that a combination of lax oversight and cost-cutting have led to more people getting sick, such as with listeria outbreaks that have also been all over recent headlines.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
While the candidates were close in cookie numbers before this, sales of the Republican's have been well ahead since the bakery started to make headlines.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
Will Fairview’s high-powered attack, headlined by star senior wideout/running back Jordan Rechel, be enough to make noise in the playoffs after a so-so regular-season schedule?
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
Walz will headline a political event in Harrisburg, Pa., this morning.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 5 Nov. 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
Dictionary Entries Near headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 24 Nov. 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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