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
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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.
Simpson’s run became the headliner in the Rams’ 20-12 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Each headliner will participate in a 45-minute moderated conversation followed by a book signing. — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 But some milestones have given them faith that the mainstream world is opening up to putting Latino acts at the top of the bill; including the fact that Colombian singer Karol G was the first Latina Coachella headliner this year. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 On Sunday, San Jose Jazz Board President Julie Ramirez paid tribute to Labadie on the Jay Paul Main Stage before the festival’s final headliner, Trombone Shorty, took the stage. — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 11 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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