catchline

[kach-lahyn]

noun

1. a word, phrase, or sentence used, especially in advertising or journalism, to arouse or call attention.

2. a line in which a catchword appears.

3. a line of lesser importance, set shorter or sometimes in smaller type than the lines line above and beneath it.

4. Theater.,  a line of comic dialogue expected to elicit laughter.

5. slug.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catchline¹

First recorded in 1865–70; catch + line ¹

Example Sentences

Snowboarders beware: the “Catchline” runs, which circle the bottom of the mountain to prevent skiers from heading out of bounds when they descend away from the lifts, are flat at best and undulating at worst.

Read more on Seattle Times

Mr Biden recently jabbed at her "I have a plan for that" policy catchline, telling a New Hampshire crowd last week: "We're not electing a planner."

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Lilac posters hanging from bridges and lamp-posts carry the celebrations’ official catchline: “Together. Progress. Opportunity”.

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And the ASA said the adverts' catchline: "So smooth you can drink it until the cows come home," implied people could drink more of it.

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The Heinz TV ad, using the catchline "Learn the #CanSong", shows a group of people tapping and twirling empty cans to drum out rhythms.

Read more on BBC