Headline
'hɛdlaɪn
Definitions
2 meaningsThe title of a news article, or the main news story.
'hɛdlaɪn
The newspaper's headline screamed about the impending storm.
💡 Simply: It's the BIG title at the top of a news story. It's meant to grab your attention and tell you what the story is about. Like, "Giant Panda Born at Zoo!"
👶 For kids: The words at the top of a newspaper story that tell you what it's about.
More Examples
The headline grabbed my attention, and I read the article.
The front-page headline announced the president's new policy.
How It's Used
"The headline of the article was eye-catching and summarized the main point."
"The evening news began with the top headlines."
To be the main story in the news, or to be featured prominently.
'hɛdlaɪn
To give something a prominent position.
The singer will headline the concert.
💡 Simply: To be the star attraction or the main focus. Like when your favorite band is the one everyone's waiting to see at a concert.
👶 For kids: To be the most important part of something.
More Examples
The media headlined the politician's speech.
This week's events will headline the news.
The article headlines the debate's key arguments.
How It's Used
"The band will headline the music festival."
"The newspaper headlined the event as a turning point."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
make headlines
To become the subject of a news story; to be widely reported.
"The celebrity's unexpected marriage made headlines."
headline news
The most important news stories.
"The broadcast covered all the headline news."
From 'head' + 'line', reflecting its position at the top of a news article. The earliest uses date back to the late 19th century, originally referring to the title or heading of a newspaper article.
The term 'headline' emerged in the late 19th century with the rise of mass-circulation newspapers, focusing on concise summaries to capture readers' attention quickly.
Memory tip
Think of the head of an article, the line that draws your attention.