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

: 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

• 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

Woltemade has started two Premier League games on Tyneside and scored twice, both towering headers, which marks quite the introduction. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Smith had emphasized staying compact at halftime, knowing Charlotte’s defensive record was built on preventing crosses and free headers. —Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025

Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead right before the first half whistle when Tadeo Allende leaped and drilled in a header off a perfect cross from Jordi Alba. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

Debinha’s penalty kick gave the Current an early lead, and Temwa Chawinga’s second-half header was the icing on her own birthday cake (the soccer superstar turned 27 on Saturday). —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 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