masthead
masthead Lexical Profile
masthead Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A printed section in a newspaper, magazine, or journal that lists its title, ownership, editorial staff, subscription rates, and contact information.
"After three years as a staff writer, her name finally appeared as a senior editor on the magazine's masthead."
The prominent title design or banner of a newspaper, magazine, or website displayed at the top of the front page or home page.
"The graphic designer modernized the newspaper's century-old masthead while preserving its classic serif typeface."
The highest part of a ship's mast, or the upper section of a lower mast that serves as a lookout post or supports rigging and flags.
"The lookout spotted the distant coastline from the masthead just as the morning fog began to clear."
• verb
To raise or hoist a sail, yard, or flag to the top of a ship's mast.
"The crew worked together to masthead the topsail yards before leaving the harbor."
Word Nuance & Usage
In publishing, 'masthead' strictly refers to the printed box listing the staff, owners, and publication details (typically inside the publication), though in everyday usage it is frequently applied to the large decorative title banner on the front page (technically called the 'nameplate' or 'flag').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 17th century as a nautical compound of 'mast' and 'head' denoting the top of a ship's mast; the publishing sense emerged in the mid-19th century by analogy with a flag or motto displayed at the top of a ship's mast.