masthead

noun

mast·​head ˈmast-ˌhed 

1

: the top of a mast

2

a

: the printed matter in a newspaper or periodical that gives the title and details of ownership, advertising rates, and subscription rates

b

: the name of a publication (such as a newspaper) displayed on the top of the first page

Examples of masthead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a fragmented media ecosystem, trust has migrated from institutional mastheads to highly specialized voices. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

But what’s curious is the growing bevy of literary talent on the Hinge masthead. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Denton hired and fired his editors-in-chief at a fast clip, too, changing the top of the masthead 14 times. — Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Versions appeared on teapots and woodcuts and the masthead of William Lloyd Garrison’s abolitionist newspaper The Liberator. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for masthead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

masthead

noun

mast·​head ˈmast-ˌhed 

1

: the top of a mast

2

: the name of a newspaper displayed on the top of the first page