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
Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians.
—Rebecca Brannon / Made By History, TIME, 3 July 2024
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 5 July 2024
How to Die Alone, the Onyx Collective half-hour comedy series created, executive produced and headlined by Natasha Rothwell, will premiere Sept. 13 on Hulu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 July 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
The pair first made headlines in October 2023, when they were seen spending time together at a concert in Los Angeles.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians.
—Rebecca Brannon / Made By History, TIME, 3 July 2024
Verb
Jonas Brothers headlined Utah Fourth of July event The 2024 show featured the Jonas Brothers, according to organizers website
Video circulating on X shot by someone in the crowd shows fireworks blasting into the air above the stadium, and at least two of them shoot into the stands.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 5 July 2024
How to Die Alone, the Onyx Collective half-hour comedy series created, executive produced and headlined by Natasha Rothwell, will premiere Sept. 13 on Hulu.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 5 July 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 15 Jul. 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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