ENGLISH
REFERENCE

heading

n.
US //ˈhɛdɪŋ// UK //hˈɛdɪŋ// head·ing
  1. 1 text title (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a title or short piece of text at the top of a page or section.

    the title or topic of a document, article, or chapter, typically formatted to stand out from the body text.

    Example

    Please make sure each section of your report has a clear heading.

    Example

    The editor suggested using a bold heading for the second chapter to help readers navigate the complex technical data more easily.
  2. 2 direction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the direction that a ship, plane, or car is pointing.

    the compass direction in which a vessel or aircraft is pointed or moving.

    Example

    The pilot changed the plane's heading to avoid the storm clouds.

    Example

    The navigator maintained a steady heading of 270 degrees, ensuring the vessel stayed on course despite the strong northerly currents.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 mining tunnel (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a tunnel or passage in a mine.

    a gallery, drift, or adit in a mine, specifically one driven through a solid body of ore or coal.

    Example

    The miners worked deep in the new heading to reach the coal vein.

    Example

    Structural reinforcements were required along the main heading to prevent a collapse as the team pushed further into the unstable rock formation.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of excavation and resource extraction.
  2. 4 barrel material (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Archaic

    the wood or material used to make the ends of a barrel.

    material specifically prepared for the construction of the heads of casks or barrels.

    Example

    The cooper selected high-quality oak heading for the wine barrels.

    Example

    The workshop was filled with stacks of seasoned timber intended for use as heading in the production of traditional watertight casks.

Origin

From head + -ing.

© 2026 English Reference