headliner

noun

head·​lin·​er ˈhed-ˌlī-nər How to pronounce headliner (audio)
Synonyms of headlinernext
1
: the principal performer in a show : star
broadly : personality sense 4b
2
: fabric covering the inside of the roof of an automobile

Synonyms of headliner

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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.
Now, one element of great balance is there’s not a ton of headliners, stars. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 In the years since that single’s release, the artist has become a global icon, a highly politicized figure, a Grammy winner and a Super Bowl halftime show headliner. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Winter, who was 23 at the time of the performance, is reportedly one of the youngest ever solo headliners to perform at Carnegie Hall, but Bob Dylan edged him in 1963 at age 22. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026 Those who turned out for the concert, for which Parton played hostess as much as headliner, were treated to vintage Dolly. — Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 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

Rhymes for headliner

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Browse Nearby Words

headline inflation
headliner
headline schedule
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Cite this Entry

“Headliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headliner. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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