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
Gene Myers, Freep.com, 23 Nov. 2025
Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, McHale, 37, is headlining the off-Broadway revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025
Dave Brooks, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
Interpol and Bloc Party have announced a co-headline tour of Europe and the United Kingdom that takes place next year.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for headline
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Noun
The second half of his career, Kraemer served as copy chief, overseeing a crew of editors and ensuring quality writing and accurate stories and headlines despite the heat of deadlines.
—Gene Myers, Freep.com, 23 Nov. 2025
Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture.
—Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
Verb
The allure of Stuckey’s restaurant and its central location drew a line of customers the night of Paul McCartney’s headlining show at Coors Field in October 2025.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025
Meanwhile, McHale, 37, is headlining the off-Broadway revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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
Interpol and Bloc Party have announced a co-headline tour of Europe and the United Kingdom that takes place next year.
—Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 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 26 Nov. 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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