header
/ˈhedə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhedər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhe-dər/ (ame, mw)
header — noun
- headersingular
- headersplural
1. an action in soccer where a player strikes the ball using the top or front part
an action in soccer where a player strikes the ball using the top or front part of the head, either to score a goal or pass the ball to a teammate
Kenji scored the winning goal with a powerful header in the last minute of the match.
collocation: powerful header / winning header
A well-timed header from the defender sent the ball safely over the crossbar.
Thiago's looping header flew into the top corner after a perfect corner kick from Zara.
The coach shows beginners how to jump high and aim a header with control.
That header by Bao was one of the best goals the stadium had ever seen.
- heading
Refers to the technique or skill, not a single instance of hitting the ball.
用法筆記
Only used in soccer (football) contexts; not applied to other sports where the head touches the ball.
常見錯誤
2. text placed in the top margin area of each page in a document or book, often con
text placed in the top margin area of each page in a document or book, often containing the title, chapter name, or page number
Sofia added the chapter title as a header on every page of her thesis paper.
collocation: add a header / as a header
The company report has a header that shows the logo and the date on each page.
To insert a header in the document, open the menu and click the header option.
Dmitri changed the font size of the header so every page would look cleaner.
Anika's textbook uses a different header for each chapter to help readers find their place.
- running head
A specific type of header used in academic or formal publishing, usually containing a shortened title.
- page heading
Less common; almost the same meaning but can also refer to a heading inside the page body.
- footer
Text or numbers appearing at the bottom of each page.
用法筆記
The opposite of a header is a 'footer', which appears at the bottom of each page. Most word-processing software lets you edit the header separately from the main text.
常見錯誤
3. a word or phrase positioned at the start of a sentence, before the subject, that
a word or phrase positioned at the start of a sentence, before the subject, that introduces the topic the speaker wants to talk about
In 'Your sister, she called yesterday,' the phrase 'your sister' acts as a grammatical header.
structure: [noun phrase] + comma + [clause with pronoun]
Fatima's linguistics lecture explained how a header sets up the topic before the main clause begins.
'That new restaurant' in 'That new restaurant, I have never been there' is a header that marks the topic.
Wei showed the study group the line 'That movie, I loved it' and called 'that movie' a header.
- topicaliser
More technical; used in formal linguistics for any element that marks the topic of a sentence.
用法筆記
This term is mostly used in grammar textbooks and linguistics courses. In everyday conversation, speakers use this structure without giving it a name.
4. a fall or jump in which a person goes forward with the head going first toward t
a fall or jump in which a person goes forward with the head going first toward the ground, water, or another surface
Yuki took a header off the high diving board and entered the pool with barely a splash.
collocation: take a header
The skateboarder lost his balance and took a nasty header onto the concrete ramp.
A header from the cliff into the sea looked exciting but dangerous to the tourists watching from the beach.
The toddler tripped over a stuffed toy and took a header onto the soft living-room carpet.
Pedro's first dive was an awkward header that earned sympathetic applause from the swim team.
用法筆記
Almost always used with the verb 'take' — 'take a header' is the standard fixed expression. Can describe both deliberate jumps and accidental falls.
常見錯誤
5. a weight-bearing support positioned horizontally across the top of a door or win
a weight-bearing support positioned horizontally across the top of a door or window opening, made of wood, steel, or concrete
Amir fitted a strong oak header above the new kitchen window to support the brickwork.
collocation: fit / install a header above [opening]
A steel header was needed to carry the load of the wall above the wide garage door.
Before removing the old door frame, check whether the header can hold the bricks above it.
The plans show a concrete header over every window on the ground floor of the new building.
Chloe watched the builders lift a heavy wooden header into place above the new patio doors.
用法筆記
In construction, a header is also called a 'lintel'. The term 'header' is more common among builders in the US; 'lintel' is used internationally.