headliner
HED-lye-ner
/ˈhɛdˌlaɪnər/
The main performer or act appearing at a concert or festival, featured prominently on promotional material.
Emphasizes top billing and star attraction over supporting acts.
The story behind the word. In late 19th-century theater posters, the name of the top star was printed on the top line—the 'headline'. The artist in that top position became known as the 'headliner'.
Word relationships
- star act: 'Star act' describes famous individuals generally, while 'headliner' specifically denotes top billing at a scheduled show.
- opening act: An opening act performs before the main star to warm up the crowd.
Commonly confused with
- headline: A 'headline' is a news title; a 'headliner' is the lead musical performer.
Word family
- headline (verb): to perform as the primary featured act at an event
Collocations
- festival headliner
- surprise headliner
- named as headliner
- headliner slot
Example sentences
- "The rock festival announced its final headliner just weeks before ticket sales opened." Festival announcements
- "As the main festival headliner, the band performed for over two hours to a thrilled crowd." Performance review
Memory hook
The HEADLINER gets their name at the HEAD (top) LINE of the poster. Top line on the bill = HEADLINER.
When not to use
Do not use for opening acts or secondary performers.
Fun facts
- Early 20th-century circus posters printed headliners in bright red ink to distinguish them from standard acts.
Also appears in
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