What does subhead mean?
A subhead is a heading that appears beneath a main heading and divides a larger section into smaller, more specific topics. It is especially common in journalism, books, academic writing, reports, and other organized texts. For example, an article about climate policy might place “International agreements” beneath its main heading “Global responses.” A subhead generally functions as a concise label rather than a full sentence or an explanatory subtitle. Its purpose is to improve navigation and make the relationships between ideas clear to readers. The related form “subheading” is also widely used, with little or no practical distinction in modern English. When a writer chooses between a subhead and a subtitle, the key distinction is structural: a subhead organizes content within a larger section, while a subtitle typically provides additional information about a title.
nounA heading placed beneath a main heading, used to divide a section into smaller topics or subsections.
- A secondary heading beneath a main heading, marking a subsection or smaller division of a text.
"The chapter introduces the subject under the subhead “Historical background.”"
"The article discusses the controversy under the subhead “Editorial response.”"
"Use clear subheads to help readers navigate a long chapter."
The standard plural is “subheads.”
"Clear subheads break the report into manageable sections."
A subhead gives a main idea a smaller frame: the heading within the heading.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does subhead come from?
“Subhead” was formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix sub-, meaning “under” or “below,” with the English word “head,” in the literal sense of a heading. The compound follows the same pattern as other English formations using “sub-” to indicate a secondary or subordinate position. Its development parallels the more familiar related term “subheading.”
Related word forms
How subhead is actually used
The term is common in edited writing, journalism, textbooks, and academic publishing. It is more likely to be used for a heading functioning as a structural label than for a descriptive line beneath a title.
Easily confused with subhead
A subhead is a secondary heading that organizes text, whereas a subtitle is an explanatory line accompanying a title.