1
: the top of a mast
2
a
: the printed matter in a newspaper or periodical that gives the title and details of ownership, advertising rates, and subscription rates
b
: the name of a publication (such as a newspaper) displayed on the top of the first page

Examples of masthead in a Sentence

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.
Your favorite masthead has been eating, cooking, baking, nesting, and jamming. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 According to the site’s masthead, the operation—including its video production arm, Texas FilmWorks—employs a staff of more than 40. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026 At Sorkin’s version of the Wall Street Journal, everyone up and down the masthead — editors, writers, even interns — insults each other with such relish that someone should be written up by HR. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 In a fragmented media ecosystem, trust has migrated from institutional mastheads to highly specialized voices. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for masthead

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of masthead was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Masthead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masthead. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the top of a mast
2
: the name of a newspaper displayed on the top of the first page
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster