Pronunciation: [hˈɛdla͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "headline" is often confused with "headlIne". However, the correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈhɛd.laɪn/. Notice how the last sound is a "long i" (represented by the /aɪ/ symbol), not a "short i" (/ɪ/). This is because the word is spelled with a combination of the letters "i" and "e", which creates the "long i" sound. So, the next time you write a headline, make sure to spell it correctly!
A headline is a concise, attention-grabbing statement or title that serves as the main point or summary of a news article, advertisement, or any other written publication. It is typically positioned at the top, or near the top, of the content to draw immediate attention and entice readers to delve further into the material.
Headlines play a crucial role in capturing the reader's interest by conveying the key information of a piece at a glance. They aim to convey the most newsworthy or significant aspect of the article, presenting it in a compelling and engaging manner. Often, headlines employ persuasive language, strong verbs, or striking imagery to capture the reader's imagination and encourage them to continue reading.
In journalism, headlines are designed to provide a concise summary of the main story, highlighting essential details, such as the who, what, when, where, and why. They aim to convey the essence of the article's content while maintaining accuracy and journalistic integrity.
Since headlines are often the first point of contact between a reader and a piece of writing, they are critical in gathering an audience's attention and encouraging further exploration. Their skillful construction requires the ability to distill complex information into a brief yet captivating sentence or phrase. By using enticing headlines, publishers and advertisers seek to generate interest, spark curiosity, and provoke emotional responses in readers, enticing them to read on and discover the full story.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "headline" originated from the combination of two separate words: "head" and "line".
The term "head" has its roots in Old English, where "heafud" meant "top, summit, or head". Over time, it developed into "hēafod" in Middle English and eventually became "head" in Modern English. In the context of newspapers, "head" refers to the main title or heading of an article.
The term "line" also comes from Old English, where "līne" meant "rope, cord, or thread". It developed from Proto-Germanic "linō" and Proto-Indo-European "leynā" which both had similar meanings. In relation to newspapers, "line" refers to a piece of text or sentence.
Combining these two words, "head" and "line", gave rise to the word "headline".
