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
: major and widely reported news
the scandal made/grabbed headlines
a story in the headlines [=widely reported] for weeks
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
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
His vow to keep up attacks on other Arab countries in the region and plans to choke off the world's oil supply were headlines.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Two standouts from Mother McAuley headline the top 15 players on first, second and third teams.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and received the Billboard Legends of Live award for its blockbuster co-headline tour with Def Leppard in 2018, which sold more than 1 million tickets.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headline
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Noun
Aim for clear headlines and concise notes, and agree on timelines to ensure your reputation reflects focus and reliability.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
His vow to keep up attacks on other Arab countries in the region and plans to choke off the world's oil supply were headlines.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
Those looking to only see Sunday’s race can buy tickets starting at $90, which includes the postrace concert headlined by T-Pain.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
Two standouts from Mother McAuley headline the top 15 players on first, second and third teams.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Other shows that would make great gifts Two North Carolina natives co-headline one soulful bill.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and received the Billboard Legends of Live award for its blockbuster co-headline tour with Def Leppard in 2018, which sold more than 1 million tickets.
—Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
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 Mar. 2026.
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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