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
: front-page news
the scandal made headlines
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
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
However, the majority of those weighing in have argued that her profile should be kept, writing that there is significant public interest in her now due to current headlines.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
Mendoza left, as well as five running backs, headlined by Jaydn Ott, who transferred to Oklahoma.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for headline
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The gun is a popular rifle used to hunt bigger game and has a markedly different design and function than the modern semiautomatic assault rifles that have made headlines in high-profile mass shootings.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
However, the majority of those weighing in have argued that her profile should be kept, writing that there is significant public interest in her now due to current headlines.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
The rapper and mogul won his first two Emmys at the 2023 ceremony in the Outstanding Variety Special and Outstanding Director for a Variety Special categories for the Super Bowl headlined by Rihanna.
—Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
Mendoza left, as well as five running backs, headlined by Jaydn Ott, who transferred to Oklahoma.
—Antonio Morales, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The preliminary estimate for headline German inflation, due for release at 1300 GMT, is expected to fall to 3.5% in November from 3.8% in October, measured according to national standards.
—WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 17 Sep. 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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