headliner

noun

head·​lin·​er ˈhed-ˌlī-nər How to pronounce headliner (audio)
Synonyms of headlinernext
1
: the principal performer in a show : star
2
: fabric covering the inside of the roof of an automobile

Examples of headliner in a Sentence

He was the headliner at a local night club. a headliner on variety shows in the early days of TV
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The passers plaster the marquee, but their co-stars are headliner-worthy — James Cook is the NFL’s incumbent rushing king, and Adams caught more touchdowns than anyone in the league last season. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Mitchell said there are plenty of less visible local efforts to boost Memphis artists, such as promoters working to get them on tours with national headliners. Chris Kenning, USA Today, 15 May 2026 For the first time ever, the World Cup final will host a Super Bowl-style halftime show, with megawatt headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 14 May 2026 This year’s lineup includes 160 local bands, and national headliners with sizeable followings, including 54 Ultra, slenderbodies, Goldie Boutilier, Kaash Paige, Tommy Newport, Charlotte Sands, MAVI, Twin Shadow, King Mala, Deb Never, The Droptines and Bad Nerves. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for headliner

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of headliner was in 1896

Cite this Entry

“Headliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headliner. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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