English · Word Candidate

headline

/ˈhɛd.laɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: headlines · headlining · headlined

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The heading or title of a magazine or newspaper article.

Noun

The headline on today's newspaper reads "John Doe Wins Wood-Splitting Competition."

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

The line at the top of a page containing the folio or number of the page.

NounRegister: dated

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To give a headline to a page or section of a text.

Verb

Once again I take typewriter in hand to express my opinion on two very different issues. Good luck in deciding what to headline this letter.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To present as the main attraction; to have top billing, to be the main attraction.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “headline” mean?

The heading or title of a magazine or newspaper article.

Is “headline” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.