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
Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Chevy's exit came after the headline-making incident, as well as a very public feud with creator Dan Harmon over creative and on-set disagreements, which are also discussed in I’m Chevy Chase.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Ciara headlined the inaugural TikTok Awards 2025 on Thursday night, turning heads in two show-stopping looks.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 20 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
The Rise Of The Southern Bagel Earlier this year, headlines (including our own) were quick to point out that a Southern bagel shop, Starship Bagel in Dallas, Texas, took the top spot at the New York City 2025 BagelFest.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025
Chevy's exit came after the headline-making incident, as well as a very public feud with creator Dan Harmon over creative and on-set disagreements, which are also discussed in I’m Chevy Chase.
—Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 Dec. 2025
Verb
Tweedy and his band, Wilco, played a few dates with Nelson this year, as part of the annual Outlaw Music Festival, which Nelson headlined along with Bob Dylan.
—Alex Abramovich, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Ciara headlined the inaugural TikTok Awards 2025 on Thursday night, turning heads in two show-stopping looks.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 20 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 29 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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