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
Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
His goals have always made the headlines, but his movement off the ball to create space for his team-mates is equally impressive.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The show is presented as a response to the official Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny as the choice of the Puerto Rican mega-star drew backlash from conservatives.
—James Powel, USA Today, 9 Feb. 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
This year, Super Bowl performances will feature various Grammy award-winning artists, the first-ever headline performance in Spanish and for the first time ever, a secondary, alternate halftime show.
—Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
His goals have always made the headlines, but his movement off the ball to create space for his team-mates is equally impressive.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
Maybe this time Guns N’ Roses can headline a tribute to the Sunset Strip hard rock scene?
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
The show is presented as a response to the official Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show headlined by Bad Bunny as the choice of the Puerto Rican mega-star drew backlash from conservatives.
—James Powel, USA Today, 9 Feb. 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 10 Feb. 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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