What does headline mean?
A headline is a short, prominent title or summary that identifies the main point of a newspaper article, broadcast report, web page, announcement, or other publication. It is designed not only to identify the subject but also to attract attention, so headlines often emphasize novelty, conflict, surprise, or significance. By extension, the word can refer to anything receiving exceptional public attention, as in 'a political figure who dominated the headlines,' or to the most prominent attraction or item in a larger event. Headline is also used as a verb, meaning to feature a person or subject prominently in a published headline. As an attributive modifier, it appears in expressions such as 'headline figure' and 'headline inflation,' referring to a prominently reported number that may not represent the underlying reality. The term has developed from its literal history in print and remains central to how news organizations communicate priorities and frame public attention.
A prominent title or summary of a published article, report, or communication; by extension, an important or attention-grabbing person, event, or subject.
"The company's unexpected profits made the business a national headline."
The word can refer literally to a publication's title or summary, but it is also widely used metaphorically for anything dominating public attention.
To feature a person, event, or subject prominently in a headline or other public announcement.
"The newspaper headlined the controversy on its front page."
This is less common than the noun and is especially associated with newspapers, magazines, and broadcast news organizations.
Forming part of a headline or specially prominent in public attention, especially as the main or most striking example.
"The report gave a headline figure of four million users."
This use is chiefly attributive and occurs in established expressions such as 'headline figure' and 'headline number.'
The regular plural is headlines, used for multiple publication titles or summaries and for several subjects receiving exceptional attention.
"The early election results dominated the evening's headlines."
A headline began as the simple line at the top of a page before becoming one of the most powerful ways to shape what the public notices.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does headline come from?
Headline is an English compound formed from head and line, dating to the seventeenth century. It originally referred to a line at the top of a printed page, before the name developed for the prominent headings used in newspapers and other publications. Head ultimately comes from Old English hēafod, while line comes through French from Latin linea, originally meaning a linen thread or a row. The compound's later metaphorical senses reflect its long-standing association with information placed first and given special prominence.
Related word forms
How headline is actually used
The word is standard in formal and informal registers in British and American English. In figurative use, it can imply prominence, urgency, or publicity rather than merely importance, and descriptions such as 'headline figure' may suggest that the subject is selected for attention because it is striking.
Easily confused with headline
A heading can label any section or topic, whereas a headline is usually a prominent, often brief summary designed to attract attention.
A header is the material running along the top of a document or page, while a headline communicates the principal subject or message.