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
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
But the reactions to three headlines from this past month tell a different story.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Then again, so does Bad Bunny, who had one of the biggest albums of the year and is headlining this year's Super Bowl halftime show, which will take place just a week after the Grammys.
—The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 1 Feb. 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
In November 2025, Sweeney made headlines after transforming into boxing trailblazer Christy Martin and gained 35 pounds for the role.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
But the reactions to three headlines from this past month tell a different story.
—Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
For more than 30 years, the company has quietly perfected the art of the island stay, curating everything from chic townhomes steps from Gustavia to headline-worthy estates complete with infinity pools, private chefs, and views that practically beg to be framed.
—Molly Barstein, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026
Then again, so does Bad Bunny, who had one of the biggest albums of the year and is headlining this year's Super Bowl halftime show, which will take place just a week after the Grammys.
—The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 1 Feb. 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 2 Feb. 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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