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header

n. · v.
US //ˈhɛdɝ// UK //hˈɛdɐ// head·er
  1. 1 document top (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the area at the top of a page that often contains the title or page number.

    the upper portion of a page layout, typically containing recurring information such as titles, dates, or pagination.

    Example

    Please make sure your name and the date are in the header of every page.

    Example

    The corporate style guide requires the company logo to be aligned to the left within the document header on all official correspondence.
  2. 2 sports move (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    the act of hitting a ball with your head, usually in a game of football.

    the action of striking a ball with the head to pass, clear, or score.

    Example

    He scored a fantastic goal with a powerful header in the last minute.

    Example

    The defender's perfectly timed header cleared the ball from the penalty area, preventing a certain goal during the final minutes of the match.

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  1. 3 computing data (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    the first part of a computer file or message that explains what is inside.

    the initial part of a data packet, file, or stream containing metadata, addresses, or descriptors.

    Example

    The email header contains information about the sender and the servers it passed through.

    Example

    If the HTTP header is incorrectly configured, the browser may fail to render the content or might encounter security certificate errors.
  2. 4 a fall (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a fall or dive where your head goes forward first.

    a headlong fall, jump, or dive, often used in the phrase 'to take a header'.

    Example

    He tripped over the rug and took a header into the laundry basket.

    Example

    The cyclist took a nasty header over the handlebars after hitting a deep pothole on the descent.
  3. 5 unpredictable person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect Informal

    a person who acts in a crazy or unpredictable way.

    a person perceived as mentally unbalanced, eccentric, or highly unpredictable.

    Example

    Don't mind him, he's a bit of a header when he's had a few drinks.

    Example

    The locals warned us that the old man living on the hill was a total header who would shout at anyone passing his gate.

    Usage

    Commonly used in Hiberno-English (Ireland).

    Teacher's tip

    This is a regional term used in Ireland; it can be affectionate among friends but is often derogatory when used about strangers.
  4. 6 to hit with the head (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to hit a ball with your head.

    to strike a ball using the head, typically in a sporting context. Transitive use.

    Example

    The striker managed to header the ball into the corner of the net.

    Example

    The coach spent the afternoon teaching the youth players how to safely header the ball without risking neck injury.

Origin

From head + -er.

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