What does header mean?
In everyday use, a header is a title or identifying line placed at the top of a page, document, or section. It may name a publication, identify a chapter, describe a table, or provide information that helps the reader understand what follows. In digital communication, a header is a structured section at the beginning of an email, file, or web response containing metadata such as the sender, date, content type, or other technical information. The word is also used for decorative material across the top of a page or display, and historically could mean a person leading a procession or group. The related verb is uncommon but means to provide something with a heading or title. Header is therefore a practical word for anything that comes first and labels, names, or introduces the material that follows. Its technical uses are precise, while its general uses are familiar in books, newspapers, forms, tables, and web design.
A heading, title, or identifying line at the top of a document, page, or section. Also, a line or block of metadata at the beginning of a message, file, or record.
"The report has its name and date in the header of every page."
The computing and communications senses are technical, while the document sense is common in ordinary writing and publishing.
To provide a document, file, or message with a heading, title, or identifying information.
"The script headers each generated report with the project name and date."
This use is uncommon and is chiefly associated with computing and document production.
The standard plural is headers.
"The template includes headers for each section of the report."
A header is the name tag that tells a document, message, or table what it is—and what to expect next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does header come from?
Header is an English formation built on head with the suffix -er. It was used historically for a person who was at the head of a procession or group, and its meaning later extended to a title or identifying line at the top of a document. Related English formations include heading, headline, and headway, all built on the same ancient root meaning “head” or “beginning.”
Related word forms
How header is actually used
Generally neutral and professional. In computing and communications, the term refers specifically to metadata or identifying information at the beginning of a message, file, or record. The verb is much less common than the noun and is chiefly associated with adding a heading to a document or file.
Easily confused with header
A header is usually a title or identifying line at the top of a document or message, whereas a heading is more broadly any title marking a section or division of text.
A header identifies or labels material, while a headline is specifically the prominent title of a news article or report.