I. -ˌlīn noun
Date: 1824
1. : words set at the head of a passage or page to introduce or categorize
2.
a. : a head of a newspaper story or article usually printed in large type and giving the gist of the story or article that follows
b. plural : front-page news
the scandal made headline s
II. transitive verb
Date: 1891
1. : to provide with a headline
2. : to publicize highly
3. : to be engaged as a leading performer in (a show)
III. adjective
Date: 1939
: deserving mention in a headline : very noteworthy
the headline abduction of a diplomat