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.
Bentancur, who signed a contract extension days before Tottenham’s 2-1 win against Leeds United last time out, profited from a smart header across the box from Joao Palhinha, converting on the volley from eight yards out. Elias Burke, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Both were released on March 14, which made the weekend an exciting double-header for the actress. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 Seattle’s Jordyn Huitema tried a header inside the penalty box that Sikowitz kept away from the goal with a leaping effort. Staff, Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2025 Featuring 136 narrative features, documentaries and shorts from around the world, the program opens on Halloween with a double header. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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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