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
Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
While this story may fade from headlines, the impact can last much longer for those affected.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Saige Miller, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
This year’s eclectic lineup features ’80s icon Duran Duran headlining Friday night, joined by electronic pop duo the Chainsmokers, indie pop band Grouplove, indie rock band Flipturn, garage rock band the Schizophonics and more.
—Alex Distefano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for headline
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Noun
The case initially made headlines back in early March, when a group of armed and masked offenders forced their way into a Winnetka home after one of them posed as a food delivery driver to gain access to the residence, local police said at the time.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
While this story may fade from headlines, the impact can last much longer for those affected.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Most recently, Turning Point canceled an April 30 event at Iowa State University where Erika Kirk was slated to headline with Vance.
—Saige Miller, NPR, 30 Apr. 2026
This year’s eclectic lineup features ’80s icon Duran Duran headlining Friday night, joined by electronic pop duo the Chainsmokers, indie pop band Grouplove, indie rock band Flipturn, garage rock band the Schizophonics and more.
—Alex Distefano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Other shows that would make great gifts Two North Carolina natives co-headline one soulful bill.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 4 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for headline
Cite this Entry
“Headline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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