headliner

noun

head·​lin·​er ˈhed-ˌlī-nər How to pronounce headliner (audio)
Synonyms of headlinernext
1
: the principal performer in a show : star
2
: fabric covering the inside of the roof of an automobile

Examples of headliner in a Sentence

He was the headliner at a local night club. a headliner on variety shows in the early days of TV
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
More than 80 musical acts — including headliners Foo Fighters, Backstreet Boys, Lorde, Teddy Swims, LCD Soundsystem and SOMBR — are set to take the stage at the Napa Valley Expo from May 22-24, according to a press release. Melody Chiu, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 In November 2025, the debut Rolling Loud India brought 65,000 fans together for sets from headliners Central Cee, Wiz Khalifa, Don Toliver and Karan Aujla. Jem Aswad, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026 Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy sets from BigXThaPlug, Chaka Khan, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kool & the Gang, Del Water Gap, Tom Morello, Natasha Bedingfiled and more before each night’s headliners. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2026 While Young — who ended up in Atlanta after in a draft-day trade that sent Doncic to Dallas — was the unquestioned headliner in the organization, the Hawks were just 2-8 in games with him this season. Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for headliner

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headliner was in 1896

Cite this Entry

“Headliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headliner. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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