ENGLISH
REFERENCE

headline

n. · v.
US //ˈhɛdˌɫaɪn// UK //hˈɛdlaɪn// head·line
  1. 1 news title (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the title of a newspaper or magazine article, usually printed in large, bold letters.

    the heading or title of a journalistic piece, designed to summarise the content and attract reader attention.

    Example

    The front-page headline announced that the local team had won the championship.

    Example

    Sub-editors often spend hours crafting a punchy headline that balances factual accuracy with the need to drive digital engagement.
  2. 2 main attraction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the most important person or group performing at an event.

    the principal performer or act in a programme, typically receiving the most prominent billing.

    Example

    Fans waited for hours in the rain to see the festival headline.

    Example

    The festival organisers struggled to find a suitable headline after the original rock band cancelled their European tour.
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  1. 3 to be the main act (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    to be the main performer at a concert or show.

    to appear as the star or main attraction of a performance; functions as both a transitive and intransitive verb.

    Example

    A famous jazz singer will headline the charity concert next month.

    Example

    After years of playing small clubs, the indie band was finally invited to headline the main stage at Glastonbury.
  2. 4 nautical rope (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a rope used on a ship to attach a sail to a wooden pole.

    a headrope used in a nautical context to secure the head of a sail to a yard or stay.

    Example

    The sailor checked the headline to make sure the sail was secure.

    Example

    The crew worked quickly to repair the frayed headline before the storm winds could tear the mainsail from the yard.

    Usage

    Used specifically in maritime and sailing contexts.
    • headrope
Origin

From head + line.

Word family

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