header

noun

head·​er ˈhe-dər 

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

informal : a fall or dive headfirst

took a header into the pool

4

: a shot or pass in soccer made by heading the ball

5

a

: head sense 15a(1)

b

: information (such as a page number) printed or placed at the top of each page of a document compare footer sense 2

Synonyms of header

• title
• caption
• heading
• headline

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

Foden darted around in his new false nine role and should have done better with a header from a Henderson cross. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 13 Nov. 2025

There's even a unified adapter for front-panel IO, combining USB-A, USB-C, and audio into a single header. —PC Magazine, 12 Nov. 2025

Wave midfielders Kenza Dali and Gia Corley each got deep for some decent looks in the 24th and 25th minute, which was followed by a weak header from defender Hanna Lundkvist in the 26th that was easily saved. —Austin White, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

Winchester had taken a 2-0 halftime lead, but a goal midway through the second half cut the deficit to one and then a header from Panthers sophomore Mackenzie Pouliot in the final five minutes sent the game to extra time. —Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing header

• triple-header

Rhymes for header

• cheddar
• pedder
• redder
• shredder
• spreader

Kids Definition

header

noun

head·​er ˈhed-ər 

: a fall or dive headfirst

took a header downstairs