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
: front-page news
the scandal made headlines
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
Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
This week, several powerful stories made headlines, sparking important discussions about justice, inequality and personal sacrifice.
—Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
Zach Powell, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
In 2023, the group made history as the first Korean act to headline Coachella.
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline 
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Noun
Getty Images Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading:
Warner Music Group — The entertainment stock popped around 3.4% following an upgrade at Citi to buy from neutral.
—Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025
This week, several powerful stories made headlines, sparking important discussions about justice, inequality and personal sacrifice.
—Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
O’Neal selected LeBron James, who is making his 21st appearance at the All-Star Game, with the No. 1 pick to headline a team filled with experienced stars of Boston Celtics’ duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant.
—Zach Powell, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
In 2023, the group made history as the first Korean act to headline Coachella.
—Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
The preliminary estimate for headline German inflation, due for release at 1300 GMT, is expected to fall to 3.5% in November from 3.8% in October, measured according to national standards.
—WSJ, 29 Nov. 2023
At the time this tour was limited to club venues and state theaters, but now some 9 years later both bands are slated to co-headline LA’s KIA Forum this spring.
—Quentin Singer, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023
See all Example Sentences for headline
Dictionary Entries Near headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 21 Feb. 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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