header

noun

head·​er ˈhe-dər How to pronounce header (audio)
1
: one that removes heads
especially : a grain-harvesting machine that cuts off the grain heads and elevates them to a wagon
2
a
: a brick or stone laid in a wall with its end toward the face of the wall
b
: a beam fitted at one side of an opening to support free ends of floor joists, studs, or rafters
c
: a horizontal structural or finish piece over an opening : lintel
d
: a conduit (such as an exhaust pipe for a many-cylindered engine) into which a number of smaller conduits open
e
: a mounting plate through which electrical terminals pass from a sealed device (such as a transistor)
3
: a fall or dive headfirst
took a header into the pool
4
: a shot or pass in soccer made by heading the ball
5
b
: information (such as a page number) printed or placed at the top of each page of a document compare footer sense 2

Examples of header in a Sentence

She tripped on the rock and took a header. He scored with a header past the goalie.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There were no records set in the 2-1 win over Al-Hilal in the July 4 quarterfinals, although Fabio was called on to make a big-time stop, pushing away Kalidou Koulibaly's header from Ruben Neves' free kick to help preserve the win. Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Bayern had two apparent goals flagged for offside, including a header by Kane. Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025 Mexico holds a 5-2 edge, but the U.S. won the most recent meeting in 2021 on an extra-time header from Miles Robinson — the match’s lone goal — that secured the team’s seventh trophy. Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 5 July 2025 The Loons peppered Dallas with set pieces in the first half and broke through in the 35th minute on Carlos Harvey’s header from Julian Gressel’s quality free kick. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for header

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of header was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Header.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/header. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

header

noun
head·​er ˈhed-ər How to pronounce header (audio)
: a fall or dive headfirst
took a header downstairs

More from Merriam-Webster on header

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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