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
Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Grills cautioned though that much of the stock rally is headline-driven.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2026
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
Other top names on the bill include Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters — which is making its third appearance at BottleRock, following headlining slots in 2017 and 2021 — as well as Teddy Swims, LCD Soundsystem and SOMBR.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 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
That decision — made soon after the Minneapolis incident made national headlines — blocks state investigators at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension from accessing key evidence, like Good's car and other case materials, which has drawn scrutiny from state leaders.
—Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Grills cautioned though that much of the stock rally is headline-driven.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
The defensiveness disguises the admission that With Heaven on Top does indeed boast a robust production, one teeming with horns and backing vocals, all set to a big beat designed to echo throughout the stadiums Bryan now headlines.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
Other top names on the bill include Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters — which is making its third appearance at BottleRock, following headlining slots in 2017 and 2021 — as well as Teddy Swims, LCD Soundsystem and SOMBR.
—Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 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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