headline

[ hed-lahyn ]

noun

1. a heading in a newspaper for any written material, sometimes for an illustration, to indicate subject matter, set in larger type than that of the copy and containing one or more words and lines and often several banks.
2. the largest such heading on the front page, usually at the top.
3. the line at the top of a page, containing the title, pagination, etc.

verb (used with object)

, head·lined, head·lin·ing.

1. to furnish with a headline.
2. to mention or name in a headline.
3. to publicize, feature, or star (a specific performer, product, etc.).
4. to be the star of (a show, nightclub act, etc.)

verb (used without object)

, head·lined, head·lin·ing.

1. to be the star of an entertainment.

headline

/ ˈhɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Also calledheadheading
   1. a phrase at the top of a newspaper or magazine article indicating the subject of the article, usually in larger and heavier type
   2. a line at the top of a page indicating the title, page number, etc
2. usually plural the main points of a television or radio news broadcast, read out before the full broadcast and summarized at the end
3. hit the headlines
   to become prominent in the news

verb

1. tr to furnish (a story or page) with a headline
2. to have top billing (in)

Word History and Origins

Origin of headline¹

First recorded in 1620–30; head + line ¹

Example Sentences

The figures are rounded to the nearest 50,000, with Kendall adding this meant "small variations" in the underlying numbers could "lead to much larger changes in the rounded headline numbers".

From BBC

Newspapers are back to using words like toxic, deadly and poisonous in their main headlines.

From BBC

During his playing career, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward made headlines for his controversial actions off the field as well as his many accomplishments on it.

From BBC

Kendall said this meant "small variations in the underlying numbers impacted can lead to much larger changes in the rounded headline numbers".

From BBC

Never too high, never too low, never a headline in his words if he can help it.

From BBC

Related Words

• caption
• title