# headliner

/ˈhɛdˌɫaɪnɝ/ (US) · /hˈɛdlaɪnɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/headliner
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the most famous or popular performer at a concert or event. You usually see their name at the top of the poster.

For teachers: the principal performer or attraction at a concert, festival, or event. Often used in the plural to refer to the most prominent acts on a bill.

## Examples

- The band is the headliner for the summer festival.
- Despite the smaller acts being excellent, the crowd was waiting for the headliner to take the stage.
- The festival's lineup features several international headliners, ensuring that the final night of the event will be the most attended of the week.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.