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
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Earlier this month, Alpha Genesis made headlines after 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from the Yemassee facility because an employee failed to fully secure a door during routine feeding and health checks.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
The Sunday afternoon slot always draws one of the biggest audiences at the fest as Stewart becomes the first artist to have headlined Glastonbury and been given legends billing.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024
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
But while leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are getting the headlines (and the Oscar buzz), there are some noteworthy supporting performances as well.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
Earlier this month, Alpha Genesis made headlines after 43 rhesus macaque primates escaped from the Yemassee facility because an employee failed to fully secure a door during routine feeding and health checks.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
The event, which also includes the PFL MENA Championship, is headlined by six championship bouts where the winners each take home $1 million in prize money.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
The Sunday afternoon slot always draws one of the biggest audiences at the fest as Stewart becomes the first artist to have headlined Glastonbury and been given legends billing.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024
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 3 Dec. 2024.
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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