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
Benzinga, Freep.com, 13 Dec. 2025
But this view is increasingly at odds with the shocking headlines and viral videos of detentions many Americans see as unjust or overly violent.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
Michael Deeds
december 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Dec. 2025
Months after pulling out of the city's Fourth of July concert at the last minute during a worker strike, LL Cool J is set to headline a New Year's Eve concert on the Parkway to ring in 2026.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
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
Silver grabbed headlines this past week, surging to record highs near $64 an ounce, up almost 120% year-to-date and on track for its strongest annual performance since 1979.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 13 Dec. 2025
But this view is increasingly at odds with the shocking headlines and viral videos of detentions many Americans see as unjust or overly violent.
—Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025
Verb
California reggae-rock band Iration will headline the outdoor venue on Friday, June 12, with opening act Tribal Seeds and special guests.
—Michael Deeds
december 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 Dec. 2025
Months after pulling out of the city's Fourth of July concert at the last minute during a worker strike, LL Cool J is set to headline a New Year's Eve concert on the Parkway to ring in 2026.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
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 18 Dec. 2025.
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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