headline

American  

[hed-lahyn] / ˈhɛdˌlaɪn /

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.

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verb (used with object)

headlined, headlining

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)

headlined, headlining

1. to be the star of an entertainment.

headline British  

/ ˈhɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. Also called: head.   heading. 

   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. to become prominent in the news

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verb

1. (tr) to furnish (a story or page) with a headline

2. to have top billing (in)

Etymology

Origin of headline

First recorded in 1620–30; head + line ¹

Explanation

A headline is the title of a newspaper story. You'll know the headline, because it's printed in the largest font on the front of the paper. Printed newspapers have headlines, and online journals, magazines, and newspapers also use headlines. A headline is the title of a story in the paper, and it's usually easy to spot by its large, bold letters. Sometimes television and radio news also use the word headline to mean the biggest, most important news stories of the day. The word was originally a printer's term for the title and page number, and by 1890 it meant "newspaper title."

Example Sentences

Headline CPI inflation is projected to rise 0.9% monthly in March, pushing the annual rate to 3.4%, largely due to higher oil prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Headline inflation in Canada dropped below 2% in February, prior to the sharp jump in energy prices due to the Middle East conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Headline inflation in South Africa was 3% in February, down from 3.5% in January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Headline inflation is projected to reach 4% in coming months, driven by a surge in oil prices following the war with Iran.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

When it was his turn, Don dutifully rose to the challenge by successfully mouthing the scripted words, “This is Don Billings-ley. Headline news next. . .”

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• caption
• title