B1noun2K

Headline

UK /["/ˈhedlaɪn/"]/US /["/ˈhedlaɪn/"]/

Definition

the title of a news article printed in large letters, especially at the top of the front page on a newspaper or the home page on a news website

In simple words: The main title of a news article or story.

Examples

  • The newspaper's headline was so catchy that it grabbed my attention immediately.
  • Please write a headline for your article that sums up the main idea.
  • She read the headline and immediately knew this was an important news story.
  • The headline of the book was intriguing and made me want to read it.
  • In a breaking news report, the headline often conveys the essence of the event.

Usage notes

Use 'headline' when discussing news articles, reports, or headlines in media. It's not suitable for casual conversation outside of these contexts.

Grammar pattern

headline + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'headline' being at the 'head' of the news sheet, catching your attention.

Collocations

  • newspaper
  • tabloid
  • banner
  • carry
  • have
  • run
  • announce something
  • blare something
  • declare something
  • news
  • in a/​the headline
  • under a/​the headline
  • with a/​the headline
  • make headline news
  • news
  • national
  • hear
  • look at
  • see

Synonyms

  • title
  • heading
  • caption
  • banner
  • label

Antonyms

  • trivia
  • insignificance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'title' — 'headline' specifically refers to news articles.
  • Using 'headline' in informal contexts where a more casual term would fit.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as 'headlines' when referring to a single news article.